Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP attorneys Spencer Lucas and Brian Panish obtained a $48,000,000 settlement for a 23-year-old man who suffered a catastrophic brain injury after being hit while crossing the street by a real estate agent who ran a red light while talking on her mobile phone.
The young man suffered a major head trauma, was hospitalized for months, and will need 24-hour care for the rest of his life.
A significant issue in the case was whether the real estate company was vicariously liable for the acts of its agent. The company contended that its agent was an independent contractor and could not be held responsbile for her negligence. The court denied the company’s motion for summary judgment on that issue, and the case settled soon thereafter.