Man killed instantly in crash involving two tractor-trailers — $3.75M settlement

Type of action: Wrongful death

Injuries alleged: Death

Tried before: Mediation

Name of judge or mediator: Judge B. Waugh Crigler (Ret.)

Date resolved: 11/5/2021

Special damages: $2,500 in funeral expenses

Verdict or settlement: Settlement

Amount: $3,750,000

Attorneys for plaintiff (and city): James Mick Kessel and Robert C.T. Reed, Richmond; G. Bradley McConnell, Blacksburg

Description of case: The decedent was a 60-year-old man who was killed instantly when he was rear-ended by a tractor-trailer and pushed into the rear of another tractor-trailer causing his vehicle to combust. An ECM download revealed that the defendant was traveling 65 mph at impact and made no attempt to brake for slowing traffic. The decedent is survived by his wife of nine years and a 45-year-old son from a previous marriage. There were no medical bills and he intended to retire the year after the collision, so there was no claim for loss of future earnings. The case resolved at mediation prior to depositions. Plaintiff’s counsel produced an impact video to demonstrate the sorrow and grief suffered by the beneficiaries.

[021-T-168]