Ed Rebenack Obtains $1,250,000 Settlement for Middlesex County Truck Crash Litigation

Ed Rebenack obtains $1,250,000 settlement for Middlesex County truck crash litigation. The RAM Law client was a 48-year-old painter driving his work van home in stop-and-go traffic at the end of the day. Defendant Mychael Braga was driving a masonry truck, with a trailer attached, in the course of his employment with Defendant CPD Quality Construction, Inc. Braga rear-ended the RAM Law client, which then pushed his van into the vehicle ahead. 

Investigation revealed that the masonry truck, when the trailer was attached, required a Class A Commercial Driver’s License for operation. Braga never possessed the necessary license to drive the combination vehicle legally. Plaintiff asserted claims for punitive damages against CPD for requiring Braga to operate the vehicle without proper licensing. During motion practice, the Court agreed that CPD acted in a wanton and willful manner, providing the basis for a prima facie case for punitive damages and compelling financial discovery from the Defendant.

As a result of the crash, the RAM Law client sought treatment for neck and back injuries, concussion, and tinnitus. The treatment included pain management and a percutaneous cervical discectomy and decompression at C4-5, C5-6. During a discovery deposition, the ENT expert hired by the Defendants admitted to a permanent tinnitus condition from the crash. 

Eventually, the insurance carrier for the company decided to avoid trial and paid $1,250,000 to settle the litigation.