An adolescent girl was hurt as a passenger in a car on a highway in Hampton Roads. The complex liability issues were highly contested and technical.
The injuries included vision impairment in one eye and multiple fractures. A life care plan by Sharon Reavis was done to estimate future medical costs. There was a dispute as to whether the child’s ongoing symptoms were the result of the moderate traumatic brain injury (skull fracture) or post-traumatic stress disorder.
The case resolved approximately two months before trial after nearly two years of litigation. Alan Michaelis of Alcar Multimedia assisted in the mediation and trial preparation.
Type of action: Automobile-related accident
Tried before: Mediation
Name of judge or mediator: Hon. Michael Allen (ret.)
Special damages: Past medical bills of approximately $450,000 and approximately $600,000
contested future medical expenses
Verdict or settlement: Settlement
Amount: $4,725,000
Attorneys for plaintiff (and city): John M. Cooper, Bill O”Mara and Charles B. Lustig, Norfolk.
