A Brooklyn jury recently rendered a verdict of $23M to a victim of a motor vehicle accident that occurred in 2008. Charles Scott Harding, who is a producer of hip hop and jazz, received the award, which can be divided into the following categories:
- $8 million for past pain and suffering
- $12.5 million for future pain and suffering
- $2.8 million for future medical expenses
As a result of the accident, Mr. Harding suffered paralysis from the chest down, and has to use a wheelchair. The trial, which lasted two weeks, consisted of testimony that was intended to show that defendant Wojciech Czmielewski and his son, Adrian, caused the crash that took place on February 16, 2008. The verdict with respect to liability was revealed on November 17th, and the verdict with respect to damages was disclosed on November 22nd.
After leaving work at approximately 3:00 a.m., he entered a livery cab driven by Louis Quinde. He had walked only a few blocks when the cab was struck by a 1999 Ford ZX2 that went through a stop sign in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. The force of the crash made such a loud noise that neighbors immediately left their homes. Mr. Czmielewski, the owner of the car, later reported that it was stolen. During the trial, he and his son, Adrian, were called as adverse witnesses, and Adrian admitted to lying during a prior deposition. In addition, there was testimony given by a woman from Queens who was Mr. Czmielewski’s neighbor. In her testimony, she stated that a few days following the collision, she noticed that Adrian had bruises and cuts, suggesting that he was involved in the accident.
Upon inspection of the Ford after the crash, private detectives discovered that there was no indication that someone had broken into the car. Although it was a civil case, the plaintiff’s attorneys used criminal investigation methods to prove the civil case.
If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident due to the negligence of another individual, contact the personal injury attorneys at Proner and Proner.
