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$4.4 million settlement
The plaintiff, a minor, was a passenger in a vehicle being operated by the 17-year-old defendant driver.
The defendant driver allegedly drove through a stop sign into an intersection in Ottawa County and a heavy T-bone collision occurred. There were multiple other passengers in the at-fault vehicle who were also injured.
The defendant driver was operating a vehicle that had been provided to an adult employee of a company. The company and its employee were also defendants in the litigation. The adult employee denied liability and claimed that she did not give the defendant driver permission to use the vehicle.
The company also disputed liability, arguing it was not an owner of the vehicle. In addition, the company’s insurer disputed coverage applied but was unsuccessful in its declaratory action.
The plaintiff sustained an intraventricular hemorrhage resulting in severe residual deficits. While the traumatic brain injury was the most severe injury from the crash, the plaintiff also sustained orthopedic and internal injuries including fractures to all of the ribs on his right side, three lumbar transverse process fractures, and injuries to his liver and spleen.
Plaintiff’s counsel provided the case information.
Action: Motor vehicle negligence
Injuries alleged: Traumatic brain injury, multiple fractured ribs, three lumbar transverse process fractures
Case name: Withheld
Court/case no.: Ottawa County Circuit Court/case number withheld
Judge: N/A (settled)
Amount: $4.4 million
Date: June 6, 2025
Most helpful expert: Dr. Aashish Deshpande
Attorney for plaintiff: Stephen R. Boehringer, Sam Bernstein Law Firm, Farmington Hills
