Collision with road scraper; mother, two children injured; judgment exceeds $800,000
11/1/2004
Plaintiffs' vehicle collided head-on with a road scraper parked in the same lane of travel as plaintiffs' vehicle. The collision occurred at dusk and the scraper had none of its headlights, operating or warning lights illuminated.
At the time of the wreck, two children were in the back seat of the vehicle, which was being driven by their mother. The impact caused the children to fly forward and bump heads. The daughter underwent three surgeries for injuries sustained in the wreck, was left with a dysfunctional left eye and has permanent double vision.
The son suffered injuries to his face, severe bruising and his head swelled to almost twice its normal size. He also underwent facial surgery. The mother suffered a broken sternum and a bruised heart muscle.
Medical expenses for all three totaled $90,762.32.
Plaintiffs alleged the negligence of the operator of the road scraper caused the wreck.
Jury awarded $20,000 to father, $98,111.78 to mother, $629,217.04 to the daughter and $52,804.37 to son for a total award of $800,133.19.
Latiolais, et al. v. Davis, et al., No. 2002-66077-A, 16th JDC, St. Martin Parish, 9/30/04
Plaintiffs' counsel: L. Clayton Burgess of L. Clayton Burgess, APLC, Lafayette
Plaintiffs' experts: Dr. Douglas Womack, economist; Glenn Hebert, rehabilitation specialist