Location: Henrico
Verdict: $700,000
The plaintiff, a tow truck driver and battery technician, was dispatched to assist the defendant with what she believed to be a dead battery in her vehicle. As the plaintiff was in the process of testing her battery, the defendant suddenly started her vehicle, driving it forward and pinning the plaintiff’s leg between the front hood of the defendant’s vehicle and the back of the plaintiff’s tow truck.
The plaintiff suffered an abrasion and hematoma inside of his left knee. A little more than a month after the collision, the abrasion and hematoma developed into a MRSA infection. This dangerous infection required serial debridement sessions with a wound care doctor.
The plaintiff completed treatment for his injuries within six months of the date of the collision. He underwent approximately 16 debridement procedures and had to pack his own wound around 30 times. He was left with a scar at the site of his MRSA infection. No other permanent injuries were claimed.
At trial, the defense argued that the plaintiff was contributorily negligent, and had assumed the risk of the collision. The defendant and an eyewitness testified that the plaintiff had instructed the defendant to start the vehicle while the plaintiff remained between the two vehicles. The plaintiff denied asking the defendant to start the vehicle and provided testimony about his experience, as well as what occurred on the date of the collision.
Dr. Gerald Donowitz appeared by video deposition in support of the plaintiff’s medical treatment and injury. The defense did not challenge the treatment received nor any of the injuries sustained by the plaintiff. He testified about the development of the MRSA infection, and the the impact that the wound and its resulting treatment had on him. Pain and mental anguish were part of his experience with the debridement procedures, and from packing his own wound. His wife provided testimony in support, explaining her observations of her husband’s condition throughout his active treatment period.
The plaintiff’s total medical bills totaled $31,196.20, with a wage loss of $27,500.00. The total economic damages were $58,696.20. The last offer was $185,000.00.
After two days of trial and deliberation, the jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff in the amount of $700,000.00. The insurance carrier paid the full verdict amount.
