Family of brain injury victim settles case for $2 million
Drunk driving has its consequences. Unfortunately, when an intoxicated driver causes an accident, others often receive the brunt of the damage. One such case that made the headlines in Los Angeles, California, as well as across the country last year was dubbed the “affluenza” case since it was caused by a wealthy teenage boy who was supposedly a victim of his privileged lifestyle.
The accident resulted in the death of four people. Two others also sustained serious injuries. One of those injured suffered a brain injury and is only minimally responsive. He can neither move nor talk. He was a passenger in the vehicle that the drunk driver, who never spent time in jail for his negligent actions, was driving. The teenager’s family filed a lawsuit against the driver’s family as well as the family’s company, since the negligent party was driving a company-owned truck.
According to the injured teenager’s brother, the family has already incurred more than $1 million in medical expenses in the first six months after the accident. Eventually, the family decided to settle the case. The settlement amounted to over $1 million in cash and periodic payments. Most of the amount will be covered by a liability insurer.
A settlement is not uncommon in personal injury lawsuits. However, if Los Angeles, California, victims or even their families entertain such thoughts, it may be wise to consult an experienced legal professional. Brain damage is considered a life-altering injury, which means that a victim may need sufficient funds for medicine and other expenses to last for the rest of a victim’s life. A professional can help determine the best amount possible in a settlement.
The guidance of a professional can also be beneficial if a victim would like to pursue a lawsuit and hold a negligent person liable in order to seek compensation for accident-related damages like pain and suffering.
Source: Fox13.com, “Brain-injured teen receives $2 million in ‘affluenza’ case settlement,” Dana Ford and Suzanne Presto, May 7, 2014