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$55M Settlement Reached in Car Crash Case
September 12, 2007
A $55 million settlement was finally reached in the case filed against the U.S. government by the family of a girl who was severely injured in a car accident.
A federal judge finalized the settlement in favor of the Costa Mesa girl who is now a quadriplegic as the result of the accident.
Little Girl Robbed of Childhood
June Gutierrez was southbound on Newport Boulevard when the accident occurred that altered, then four-year-old, Leilanis life.
Michael Leinert, an employee of the Department of the Army, reportedly ran a red light and crashed into the Gutierrezs Chevrolet Suburban.
The car was sent flying into a nearby utility pole.
Settlement Details
The settlement, which is said to be the largest of its kind in Orange County to date, awarded Leilani $54 million, with $23 million going to medical bills and $31 being awarded for compensatory damages.
The government acknowledged its liability in this horrible accident, and this judgment will help to some extent ease the pain that this girl is now forced to live with, said Thom Mrozek, a spokesman for the U.S. Attorneys office in Los Angeles.
Leilani is now a quadriplegic who is dependent on 24-hour care and has a life expectancy of no more than 35 years.
This award is because she deserves it, Im afraid. She earned it in the worst possible way, stated Wylie Aitken, the Gutierrezs attorney.
(Source: The Orange County Register)
Do you know someone who was severely injured in a crash? If so, please contact us today to speak with an experienced attorney who will give you the guidance you need.
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