Sparta, NJT: 973.729.1880F: 973.729.1224LCRLAW.COM


   

$625K Verdict Obtained for Permanent Spinal Injury

$625K Verdict Obtained for Permanent Spinal Injury

On March 21, 2017, a Monmouth County jury returned a $625,000 verdict to a man who sustained a permanent spinal injury as a result of being hit by another vehicle on January 8, 2011.  Andrew Fraser, Esq., along with personal injury attorney, Tiffany Heineman, Esq., both of Laddey, Clark & Ryan, LLP in Sparta, NJ, tried the case.

“We are extraordinarily grateful to the Monmouth County jury for this verdict on behalf of Manny who sustained a permanent injury to his spine as a result of the crash,” states Fraser, Plaintiff Manuel Gutierrez’s attorney.

Manuel Gutierrez was 35 years old at the time of the crash which took place in Ocean Grove, New Jersey.  Defendant Josephine Catley, age 78 at the time of the crash, was emerging from Delaware Ave onto Broadway when she failed to abide by a stop sign which caused her to collide with Gutierrez.

Gutierrez felt immediate pain to his lower spine and was taken by ambulance to the hospital. He sustained permanent damage to his spine including an L5-S1 disc herniation causing chronic pain, limitations and continuing medical care.

Plymouth Rock Insurance, the insurance company for the defendant, offered to settle the case for $7,500 pre-trial. The Monmouth County jury returned a verdict in the amount of $625,000.

“Defendant had a $500,000 single limit policy through Plymouth Rock who refused to make any reasonable offers to settle the case thus forcing it to go to trial.” said co-counsel for Gutierrez, Tiffany L. Heineman.

The case was presided over by Hon. Katie A. Gummer.