A 43-year-old computer engineer with top-secret clearance for U.S. military software, witnessed a minor car accident on his way to work. Being the conscientious citizen he was, he decided to pull over and offer assistance, as well as serve as a witness to the incident….dougbeam, When Compassion Leads to Catastrophe: The $28.5 Million Brain Injury Case
Little did he know that this act of kindness would change his life forever. The at-fault driver, who turned out to be the General Sales Manager of the car dealership where the vehicles had pulled over, became inexplicably irate.
In a shocking turn of events, the manager violently head-butted the victim, knocking him unconscious. The attack didn’t stop there – witnesses described how the assailant continued to assault him as he lay defenseless on the ground.
The brutal attack left him with a traumatic brain injury that would permanently alter his life. He developed dystonia, a neurological disorder causing involuntary muscle contractions, leading to severe daily pain and cognitive difficulties. From a highly skilled professional with top-secret clearance, he became dependent on his wife and three children for daily care.
The ripple effects of this incident extended far beyond the physical injuries. It dramatically impacted the entire family unit, transforming family members into full-time caregivers and fundamentally altering their relationships and future prospects.
The jury returned with a verdict that sent a powerful message about corporate responsibility and the value of human life. They awarded the victim a total of $28.5 million, covering past and future medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium for his wife and children.
Importantly, the jury apportioned 60% of the fault to the attacker, 30% to the car dealership, and 10% to the parent company, finding both companies vicariously liable for their employee’s actions.