Location: Circuit Court for the City of Richmond
Injuries:
Catastrophic Injuries
Jury Verdict: $8,000,000
On September 21, 2007, our client, a 34-year-old native of Hong Kong, rode the bus to downtown Richmond where she worked as a Research Librarian for the Library of Virginia. The plaintiff got off the bus and walked to the corner of 8th Street and Marshall Street where she stopped.
Once the “walk” sign illuminated, Ms. Lo proceeded to walk across 8th street in the marked crosswalk. As she was about two-thirds across the street, a Greater Richmond Transit Co. (“GRTC”) bus made a right hand turn from Marshall Street onto 8th Street, struck the plaintiff from behind, and ran over her 95 pound body.
She sustained numerous traumatic injuries were diagnosed including: C7 Cervical Spine Fracture, Right Scapular Body Fracture, Left L3 & L4 Transverse Process Fractures, Right Denis Type II Lateral Compression Grade I Sacral Ala Fracture Extending into the Right S1 Neural Foramen, Right Superior and Inferior Pubic Rami Fractures, Left Transverse Medial Wall Acetabular Fracture with Comminution and Bony Fragments within Hip Joint Space, Right Pelvic Sidewall Hematoma, Right SI Dissociation, Pneuomediastinum, Concussion, Open Wound with Tendon Involvement of the Elbow, Avulsion/Open Wound Finger, Abrasion of Right Forehead and Left Cheek, Abrasions of Left Mid Back, Abrasion (Deep) of Right Lower Back/Sacral Area, Tire Mark Across Back, Multiple Abrasions and Lacerations of Lower Extremities with Soot and Tire Marks, and Contusions of Head, Face, Right Shoulder, Right Hip and Left Flank.
GRTC admitted liability and the case was tried before a jury on the issue of damages only.
The case was mediated on September 28, 2009. GRTC’s highest offer was $1.8 million at the end of mediation. Plaintiff’s last demand was $5.1 million. GRTC showed no interest in further settlement discussions at any time prior to trial. During the morning of the second day of trial, GRTC increased its offer to $2.5 million. The offer was rejected and plaintiff made a new demand of $3.5 million. However, plaintiff withdrew her demand after closing arguments were made and elected to let the jury decide her case. The jury deliberated for less than one hour and returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff in the amount of $8 million, the exact amount sought during closing argument.
