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Notable Large Accident Settlements in Pennsylvania

In recent years, Pennsylvania courts have granted substantial settlements to accident victims.  Some of the more noteworthy cases are described below.

Trucking Accident  

In April of 2010, a Northeastern Pennsylvania trucking accident case was reported in the Legal Intelligencer and the Pennsylvania Law Weekly.

• Facts of the case: In May of 2007, a tractor-trailer allegedly failed to stop for a red traffic light at a four-way intersection, resulting in a collision with a car driven by a retired 83-year-old woman. The primary injuries alleged were a traumatic brain injury and numerous broken bones.

The truck driver denied running a red light, and claimed that his traffic light changed to yellow as he was about to enter the intersection. But, the car driver’s attorney argued that the truck driver was reckless and negligent for failing to stop at a red traffic signal, and the trucking company was liable for the driver's conduct.

In addition to a claim for compensatory damages, the suit included a claim against the trucking company for punitive damages due to the driver’s disregard for the safety of others as a result of not braking for an obvious red light.

• Result: The case settled at trial for $3 million.

Slip and Fall Accident Cases

In 2009, a medical student at the University of Pennsylvania sued Trigen-Philadelphia Energy Corp. for their negligence in his 18-foot fall into an open manhole.  The company is responsible for the steam system under Philadelphia streets.

• Facts of the case:  The jury found that the removed manhole cover was 99.99% the fault of the corporation. The court ruled that the company had known of the widespread practice of homeless people removing manhole covers to seek shelter and that the company did not adequately address the problem.  The student’s fall caused a spinal injury that ended his education and prospects for a medical career.
• Result: The jury awarded $18 million. The amount of the verdict took into account lost future earnings.

A Bucks County jury awarded a victim for injuries resulting from a slip and fall in the icy parking lot of an industrial park.

• Facts of the case:  The suit maintained that the man’s fall resulted from the negligence of the industrial park’s owner who did not salt, shovel, or clear the ice and snow in the parking lot.
• Result: $390,000 judgment

Largest Pennsylvania settlements

The Legal Intelligencer lists the largest Pennsylvania lawsuit settlements.

Dealing with an injury at work may seem overwhelming. PA workers compensation attorneys can help if you're injured in the workplace. They can handle your claim and provide you peace of mind.