Wrongful death – $3,500,000

On November 26, 2019, the decedent was running errands on a sunny afternoon when he was struck head-on by a commercial vehicle. The defendant was likely distracted, and was unable to stop for the vehicle in front of her. She veered into the decedent’s southbound lane, colliding with his vehicle. She later plead guilty to reckless driving. 

The decedent left behind a wife, two adult children, and six grandchildren. The decedent and his wife were active in the church community and cared for 15 foster children over the course of their 48-year marriage. The couple served as teachers, then moved on to be regional directors for a residential drug rehabilitation program. The decedent also worked as a pastor and helped various ministries with their IT and videography needs. 

The accident that ended the decedent’s life was violent and catastrophic. The closing speed of both vehicles was greater than 70 miles per hour. Though he was alert at the scene, the decedent’s condition quickly deteriorated. 

   He was taken emergently to the nearest hospital where he was seen by numerous specialists including orthopedics, vascular surgery, trauma, interventional radiology, cardiology, spine, and neurosurgery.  He was then transferred to ICU for further assessment and care. Unfortunately, his condition further declined, and he was ultimately transferred to an inpatient rehabilitation hospital for continued care and rehab.  The decedent passed on the evening of December 30, 2019.