Trial Magazine

Ivan Galietti, 63, was working as a guide on a tour bus headed for Niagara Falls. While traveling on an interstate highway, Franklin Wyatt, an employee of Greatwide Dedicated Transport who was operating a 53-foot semi-trailer, lost control of his truck and crossed into the oncoming lane, striking another truck. The second truck rotated and struck Galietti’s bus head on, completely destroying the front of the vehicle.

Galietti, who was seated behind the bus driver, suffered multiple serious injuries, including a concussion; a left pulmonary embolus; a fractured sternum; and rib, ankle, and hip fractures.

His medical expenses were approximately $933,500. He had been earning approximately $30,000 annually but is now unable to work. He now uses a cane and walks with a slower gait.

Galietti sued Greatwide Transport and Wyatt, alleging failure to maintain control of the semi-trailer. The defense did not contest liability but argued that Galietti had made a full recovery.

The parties settled for $5.25 million.

Citation: Galietti v. Greatwide Dedicated Transp. I, LLC, No. 3:15-cv-01385-RDM (M.D. Pa. Dec. 14, 2016).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ member Jamie Anzalone, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

Plaintiff experts: Andrew Verzilli, economics, Lansdale, Pa.; and Varsha Desai, life care planning, Blue Bell, Pa.

Defense experts: Dennis Ivill, rehabilitation, Darby, Pa.; and Gary Barach, lost wages, Philadelphia.