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Settlement – $215,000Facts
On Feb. 19, 1998, plaintiff, a 13-year-old student, was riding in her teacher's vehicle along with other students returning from a class trip. It was raining and the defendant teacher was driving too fast for conditions while in the carpool lane. As defendant was driving, she suddenly came upon a stalled vehicle ahead of her but she could not stop in time and her vehicle collided with the stalled vehicle. The minor plaintiff was in the front seat and was unable to fasten the seatbelt. The force of the collision caused plaintiff's face to strike the vehicle's windshield, with the rest of her body hitting the dashboard.
Settlement Discussions
The plaintiff made an initial demand for $500,000. After some negotiations the case settled for the amount stated.
Specials in Evidence
$31,000 approximately
Injuries
Plaintiff suffered a fracture to the left tibia, injury to her wrist and multiple cuts and lacerations to her cheek, lips, and chin. Plaintiff's doctors removed about 40 pieces of glass from the minor's face. The resulting surgery left a ten centimeter scar on plaintiff's cheek even though she underwent immediate emergency operation by a plastic surgeon.
Other Information
The settlement was reached approximately eight months after the case was filed.
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