Intersection collision: Failure to stop at red light: Herniated disks: Shoulder injuries: Postverdict settlement

Law Reporter, Nov 2004

Sha v. Showalter, Fla., Pinellas County 6th Jud. Cir. Ct., No. 02-0694-CI-07, Dec. 4, 2003.

Sha, 41, was a passenger in a car crossing an intersection when another driver ran a red light at about 45 miles per hour, striking the car that Sha was in. She suffered a broken collarbone, hcrniated disks, torn muscles, and nerve damage. She continues to suffer pain and numbness in her shoulder, arm, and hand as a result of the incident. Her past medical expenses were about $37,000, and her future medical , expenses are estimated at $120,000. A professional violinist earning approximately $30,000 annually, Sha suffered depression as a result of being unable to play for several months and is now able to play for only about 20 minutes at a time. Her future lost income is estimated at about $1.38 million.

Sha and her husband sued the other driver, alleging failure to stop at the red light and excessive speed.

A jury awarded plaintiffs $5 million, including about $3.46 million for Sha's pain and suffering. The parties subsequendy reached a confidential high-low settlement.

Plaintiffs' Counsel

*Tom Carey, Clearwater, Fla.

*Jodi Leisure, Clearwater, Fla.

Documents in this case are available through the Court Documents section in the back of this issue, courtesy of plaintiffs'counsel.