Vehicle Negligence

In Pedestrian v. Bus Service Operator, (confidential case number and venue) Richard Schoenberger and Douglas S. Saeltzer recovered $7,000,000 on behalf of a 32-year old man who was injured while crossing an urban street in a marked crosswalk. Rich and Doug established that the defendant Bus driver ran a red light at a high rate of speed while using a handheld device. Plaintiff suffered fractures in both lower extremities, a lacerated spleen, and other injuries which did not require surgical intervention. He also suffered a mild traumatic brain injury. Prior to the accident plaintiff worked as a security guard earning approximately $27,000 per year. Past medical specials totaled $657,000 with a past wage loss of $37,029. Plaintiff claimed he could no longer work in any occupation, and that the injury occurred at a point in time when he was planning to launch into a more lucrative career. He also alleged the need for multiple future orthopedic procedures as well as an increased susceptibility to infection as a result of his splenectomy. The defendants vigorously disputed the nature and extent of plaintiff’s future damages and claimed that he could return to work without restriction at his former occupation. The case settled following expert disclosure at a mandatory judicial settlement conference.