Trial News
Verdicts & Settlements: Motor Vehicle Liability
Failure to yield to pedestrian
November 7, 2019Yolanda Sanchez, 55, was crossing a street controlled by a traffic signal when a school bus driven by Melissa Flores turned left at the intersection. The bus struck Sanchez, who was in a crosswalk, injuring her back, right knee, and shoulders. She underwent arthroscopic surgeries on her knee and both shoulders and later underwent spinal decompression surgery at L4-5. Sanchez, whose medical expenses were approximately $75,000, now has difficulty with daily living activities and experiences pain and exacerbated headaches.
Sanchez sued Flores and Selby Transportation Corp., alleging Flores had negligently operated the bus and failed to yield. Suit did not claim lost income.
The court granted the plaintiff summary judgment on liability, and the parties settled before the damages phase of trial for $2.25 million.
Citation: Sanchez v. Flores, No. 300987/16 (N.Y. Sup. Ct. Bronx Cnty. July 11, 2019).
Plaintiff counsel: Stephen J. Murphy and Michael J. Hurwitz, both of New York City.
Plaintiff expert: Alan Leiken, economics, Stony Brook, N.Y.
Defense experts: Yong Kim, orthopedic surgery, and Jeffrey Dermksian, orthopedic surgery, both of New York City; and Joseph Pessalano, vocational rehabilitation, Garden City, N.Y.
