Police officer injured in a freak accident to get $14.8 million
A former police officer who was paralyzed in an all-terrain vehicle accident while taking a shortcut on a Fire Island beach (NY) as his shift ended has been awarded a $14.8-million cash settlement.
The police officer struck a metal stake while navigating a narrow path known as "Coast Guard Cut" after his first day of patrol on the ATV. The collision with the stake — placed there to support snow fences — caused the vehicle to flip and land on him, according to court documents.
He suffered spinal injuries in the 2002 accident and has been dependent on a wheelchair since then.
The state argued that it was not liable for obstructions on the narrow, unofficial pathway. Also, it said police officer and his partner, who accompanied him on a separate ATV, had no right to use the path on their patrol.
The Attorney for the police officer countered that the path was known to many agencies that used it informally, and the state bore the responsibility of keeping it safe or at least of posting warning signs that hazards could exist.
The Attorney for the police officer said his client, who has a wife and three children, has been tirelessly upbeat as the case dragged on for four years.
After paying about $4.8 million in legal fees, the police officer will be left with about $10 million. Seven million will be awarded immediately and the rest will be disbursed in monthly payments.
About The Author:
Attorney Ted Bills can be reached at 719.444.1000 or at http://www.SpringsAttorney.com.
Attorney Ted Bills has one mission – to fight for the rights of victims, the wrong accused, and those who have been devastated by the misconduct of others – he represents clients with an aggressive approach designed to provide SWIFT justice.
Attorney Ted Bills practices Auto Accident (Car, Truck, and Motorcycle crash), DUI, Personal Injury, and Criminal – Traffic Violation law in
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