Law Offices of Bradford J. Sullivan

Hathaway v. Hominik Outcome: Settled for $150,000 Description: Head on collision motor vehicle accident. My client sustained head and shoulder injuries.

Peterson v. Tenney Outcome: Settlement $975,000 Description: Facts: On June 24, 2012, Peterson was riding a 1983 Honda Shadow motorcycle he purchased and picked up within the previous 24 hours from a private seller. The motorcycle was not insured, was unregistered and Peterson did not possess a valid motorcycle endorsement for his operator’s license. Peterson was traveling southbound on Pond Meadow Road, Westbrook, CT and Tenney was traveling northbound in a Honda Pilot SUV. Tenney made a left turn in front of Peterson. Peterson was unable to avoid the colliding with the SUV. Peterson’s face smashed into the right rear window of the SUV lacerating his face and fracturing his left orbital bone. Peterson’s right leg was pinned between the motorcycle and the SUV resulting in severe fractures to his tibia and fibula, which required multiple surgeries, including skin grafts, to repair. Peterson requires right knee surgery and an Achilles tendon reconstruction procedure. His prognosis is guarded. Peterson has not worked since June 24, 2012. Loss of income of approximately $430,000 after reduced for present value and approximately $325,000 in medical bills as of date of settlement. Tenney was issued a moving violation and Peterson was issued a summons for failure to register and insure. There was a GL policy of $250,000 and excess umbrella policy of $1,000,000. Plaintiff’s contentions and causes of action: Tenney was negligent or reckless when she failed to yield the right of way to Peterson, when she turned left in front of his motorcycle and cut him off. Tenney caused the collision. Peterson’s wife Dawn claimed a loss of consortium. Unusual legal issues or interesting trial techniques or happenings: Plaintiff’s counsel submitted a thorough demand package and allowed Allstate Insurance Company adjusters to photograph facial and right leg scarring. No offer was forthcoming. Plaintiff’s counsel filed an application for prejudgment remedy attachment seeking attachment of defendant’s assets and father’s assets under Family Car Doctrine. Approximately three weeks before the scheduled first hearing on plaintiffs’ PJR application negotiations with Allstate began. The case was settled per clients’ explicit instructions for less than insurance policy limit after 10-days of negotiations with Allstate.

Soyka v. SNET Outcome: Settlement $120,000 Description: Lineman sustained back injury with surgery.

Sullivan Heiser, LLC Blog | Sullivan heiser & Sweeney | 2014