An emergency medical technician in New York has recovered $1.5 million after being injured while riding in an ambulance that was involved in an accident at an intersection.
Facts and Allegations
Brandon Dorsa, an emergency medical technician, was in an ambulance responding to an emergency in downtown Brooklyn, New York, when it was struck at an intersection by a sport utility vehicle being driven by Terrence Moore.
Mr. Dorsa sued Mr. Moore for his injuries.
A witness claimed that the ambulance's siren and emergency lights had been activated. Mr. Dorsa's counsel also claimed that Mr. Moore had been exceeding the area speed limit and traveling too fast regardless of the speed limit.
Mr. Moore asserted that he had not been exceeding the speed limit, that the traffic signal had been green, that he had exercised due caution at the intersection, and that the ambulance's driver had caused the accident.
Result
The jury found Mr. Moore liable for the accident. It also found that Mr. Dorsa had suffered a serious injury.
The jury determined that Mr. Dorsa's damages totaled $11.5 million, but Mr. Dorsa recovered the limit previously stipulated to by the parties: $1.25 million.
The case is Dorsa v. Moore, No. 2676/16 (N.Y. Sup. Ct. Kings Co. May 20, 2019). Attorneys involved include: Peter S. Thomas; Peter S. Thomas, P.C., Forest Hills, NY, trial counsel, Lurie & Flatow, P.C., New York, NY; for Brandon Dorsa. James R. Flanagan; Fishkin & Associates; Brooklyn, NY for Terrence R. Moore.
Insurance Coverage Law Center Comment
This report is based on information that was provided by plaintiff's counsel. Defense counsel did not respond to the reporter's phone calls.
To see the full detailed report from our ALM partner, VerdictSearch, please click here.
Steven A. Meyerowitz
Steven A. Meyerowitz, a Harvard Law School graduate, is the founder and president of Meyerowitz Communications Inc., a law firm marketing communications consulting company. He may be contacted at [email protected].