Montclair, New Jersey – A woman has been awarded $1.3 million in damages by an Essex County jury in a motor vehicle accident case. Yvonne Terrell sustained injuries to her neck, back, and shoulder when her vehicle was struck by Penafranc Chitra, who ran a red light at Watchung Avenue and Grove Street on August 6, 2018. According to court documents, Terrell suffered disc herniations, a torn rotator cuff, and pinched nerves as a result of the accident. While she was advised to undergo surgery, Terrell chose alternative treatments such as physical therapy, acupuncture, and cervical traction. The cost of the recommended surgery was estimated at $100,000, but defense experts argued that it was unnecessary. Before the trial, Chitra’s insurance company offered a settlement of $200,000, which Terrell declined. After a five-day trial, the jury sided with Terrell and awarded her $1.3 million in damages.
Another personal injury case in Essex County resulted in a $1 million settlement. Jocelio Rocha De Amarado, a construction worker, fell from the second story of a house under construction in Long Branch on January 16, 2018. The accident caused multiple broken bones, including fractures to his right ankle and both feet. Rocha De Amarado underwent surgery in September 2018 to repair a non-healing fracture of the fibula. Although he has since returned to work, there are limitations on the tasks he can perform due to his injuries. Discovery revealed that the plaintiff and other workers frequently worked without fall protection. Rocha De Amarado sued Monmouth Custom Builders, the general contractor responsible for safety procedures at the site. The lawsuit settled during trial, with Monmouth Custom Builders agreeing to pay $1 million in damages.
In conclusion, a woman in Montclair, New Jersey, has been awarded $1.3 million after suffering injuries in a motor vehicle accident. Additionally, a construction worker who fell from a second-story construction site received a $1 million settlement. These cases highlight the importance of safety and the consequences of negligence in the workplace and on the roads.