A 2008 automobile accident in California has resulted in a $9 million verdict after a four week jury trial. The personal injury lawsuits were filed against the refrigeration equipment company, Hussmann Corp. as a result of a rear end collision that left drivers of two vehicles with serious injuries.
According to the complaint on April 11, 2008 the truck, driven by Hussman employee Jason Mudfor made a lane change and rear ended a pickup truck being driven by Susan Lutz of Fresno. The collision forced the Lutz truck into the back of a van operated by Clarice Brewer, also of Fresno.
As the result of the accident Lutz was diagnosed as suffering a traumatic brain injury that has resulted in a permanent state of vertigo. She has been awarded $981,770 to cover medical expenses and $1million for pain and suffering by the Fresno County Superior Court jury.
Attorneys for Hussmann Corp. tried to argue that the driver of the van, Clarice Brewer, was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident. Brewer has lost the use of her legs as a result of the rear end collision and is now confined to a wheel chair. The defense attorneys claimed that the injuries she sustained would not have been so severe had she been wearing a seatbelt. The jury decided that Brewer was, in fact wearing a seat belt at the time that the Hussmann vehicle caused the accident and she was awarded $2.36 million for medical expenses and an additional $5 million for pain and suffering.
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Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso & Dennis
Our content is written and reviewed by our founding attorneys Butch Wooten, Orman Kimbrough, Mike Damaso, and Tom Dennis. With over 100 years of combined courtroom experience, they’ve successfully handled thousands of personal injury cases across Florida. Whether you’re a Florida resident or an out-of-state visitor injured in Florida, we’re dedicated to providing clear and reliable information to help you navigate your legal options confidently.