$23M verdict stands for Richmond plaintiff

Attorneys: P. Christopher Guedri and Douglas A. Barry

Source: Virginia Lawyers Weekly
By Peter Vieth
June 28, 2011

A $23-million verdict for a man severely injured in a highway truck crash has survived post-trial motions in Richmond Circuit Court.

Circuit Judge Melvin Hughes denied defense motions to set aside or reduce the award, Richmond lawyer Chris Guedri said. Guedri, who represented the plaintiff, said the Supreme Court of Virginia is likely to be asked to review the case.

As VLW reported in March, the plaintiff was a truck driver who rear ended another truck on Interstate 295. Evidence from GPS units and on-board control modules showed the defendant driver had pulled out in front of the plaintiff and was traveling only about 25 miles per hour when the wreck occurred.

The plaintiff suffered traumatic brain injury and amputation of his right leg, among many other injuries. He claimed $2.8-million in medical expenses and lost wages. A life care plan was valued at $7 million.