Trial Magazine

Melanie Morales, 16, was sitting on the sidewalk near her home when Ashleigh Drummond turned her vehicle onto the street. The vehicle’s rear wheel hit the corner of the curb, causing Drummond to overcorrect and hit the curb near Morales, allegedly striking her with great force.

Morales suffered a lacerated left thigh and cervical injuries that necessitated a cervical diskectomy and fusion at C6-7. She developed an acute stress reaction and, later, PTSD, requiring therapy.

Morales, through her mother, sued Drummond, alleging negligent operation of the vehicle. Suit also named the vehicle’s owner, asserting claims for negligent maintenance and entrustment. The plaintiff did not claim past medical expenses.

The parties settled for $2 million.

Citation: Morales v. Drummond, No. MID L 002513-20 (N.J. Super. Ct. Middlesex Cnty. Apr. 27, 2023).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ members Michael T. Heck and Daniel N. Epstein, both of Edison, N.J.