Derek J. Spada, a Partner at Basch & Keegan had quite a week!!! After a 4-day jury trial in Ulster County Supreme Court, he won a $1.1 million verdict for our client.
Derek represented a man who was wheelchair bound due to a long medical history. Our client lived with his wife in a house at the end of a cul-de-sac. His wife brought our client outside to sit in his wheelchair near the end of his driveway so that he could enjoy fresh air and sit in the sun. He would occasionally move around in the wheelchair near the end of his driveway.
On this day while our client was basking in the sun, his neighbor on the opposite side of the cul-de-sac got into a company van, backed down his driveway and out into the cul-de-sac. The driver did not see our client in the cul-de-sac and backed into him.
The impact knocked over our client and his wheelchair, causing his head to strike the pavement. As a result, he developed a significant brain bleed that was not diagnosed until several weeks later. He underwent emergency surgery to address the brain bleed and to save his life. Following the surgery, our client remained in a coma for three days. He was then hospitalized for two weeks and went to a rehabilitation facility for more than two months before returning home.
While our client used a wheelchair prior to this incident, he was able to participate in activities and enjoy life in numerous ways that he could not do following the brain surgery.
The defense offered $25,000 to settle the case and attempted to diminish the significance of the injuries based on our client’s pre-existing condition. The defense also blamed our client and his wife for the incident.
Derek used his knowledge of the law and phenomenal trial skills to prove that the driver of the van was 100% responsible for the collision, and he also convinced the jurors that the injuries warranted a $1,100,000.00 verdict.
In addition to receiving this outstanding result, Derek was voted President of the Ulster County Bar Association yet again! This will be his 3rd term as President, which is a record for the Bar Association as no other president has served more than one term. Judges and attorneys agree that Derek is the right man for the position and will get things done for members of the Ulster County Bar.
Congratulations to Derek for a great week at Basch & Keegan!