Virginia Lawyers Weekly VA Lawyers Weekly
Type of action: Wrongful death, personal injury
Verdict or settlement: Settlement
Amount: $3,250,000
Attorneys for plaintiff (and city): John C. Shea, Richmond; Lee J. Bujakowski, Hopewell; Ryan T. Walker, Chesterfield; Steven G. Friedman
Friedman
Walker
Bujakowski
Shea
Description of case: The decedent, a 78-year-old Hopewell resident, was survived by her husband as well as two grown daughters and a grown son. The decedent and her husband met in high school and were married more than 57 years. The decedent never worked outside of the home but was actively involved in her husband’s career as well as her community. She loved traveling (especially to Paris), gardening, and was an avid cook and reader. She was in good health at the time of her death and was a cancer survivor.
The decedent was killed on July 1, 2021 while on a trip to the family’s summer cottage. A 2012 Mack tractor-trailer hauling sewage ran a red light, overturned and struck a pickup truck operated by the decedent’s husband. The decedent was a front seat passenger. The decedent died eight hours after this wreck from massive internal injuries. Her husband, although injured himself, held her hand as she died.
Suit was filed but the matter settled shortly after an answer was filed. The family intends to use a portion of the settlement proceeds for the establishment of a scholarship at Longwood University in honor of their wife and mother.
John C. Shea, counsel for the plaintiff, provided case information. [022-T-097]
