Pedestrian suffers serious injuries in hit-and-run — $2M settlement

Type of action: Auto accident, personal injury

Injuries alleged: Multiple contusions and abrasions, broken teeth, facial lacerations, thoracic aorta injury, left pneumothorax, spleen hematoma, hypoxia, tachycardia, grade 5 hepatic laceration, necrosis and liquefaction of the kidney and liver, right knee PCL tear and deformity, renal hematoma and right shin laceration

Court: Richmond Circuit Court

Verdict or settlement: Settlement

Amount: $2,000,000

Attorneys for plaintiff (and city): John C. Shea and Tara A. Enix, Richmond

Description of case: The plaintiff was a 21-year-old male pedestrian who was hit by a work van while walking on a pedestrian path off Walmsley Boulevard in Richmond. The defendant driver failed to stop after striking plaintiff and fled the scene. The plaintiff’s cousin was with him at the time of the wreck and observed identifying details of the van. Surveillance footage from local stores caught the van and aided in identifying the driver and his employer. Additional footage placed the driver near the scene immediately following the wreck and showed damage to the van.

The defendant was charged with felony hit and run. At his criminal trial the defendant entered an Alford plea.

The plaintiff was transported to VCU Medical Center where he underwent multiple emergency surgeries. He was hospitalized for 18 days. Once discharged, the plaintiff needed significant assistance and required extensive additional medical care including but not limited to additional surgeries and dental repairs.

The case settled for the defendant employer’s policy limits of $2 million.

Attorneys for the plaintiff provided case information.