Verdicts & Settlements

JESSE STEER vs. KEYSTONE SHIPPING CO., ET AL.

SETTLEMENT DATE: February 11, 2002;

TOPIC: Worksite Accident - Struck by Mooring Line

RESULT: $ 3,000,000 for Plaintiff. (settlement)

STATE: Florida

COUNTY: Broward

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: Eric Ansel

CAUSE OF INJURY: On February 4, 2001, Plaintiff was aboard the vessel Cherry Valley which was docked at Port Everglades. Plaintiff was an employee of Defendant. A line snapped with such ferocity that it whipped across Plaintiff's legs. Defendant alleged that the line was defective due to faulty manufacturing and alleged comparative negligence.

NATURE OF INJURY: Traumatic below-the-knee amputation of left leg; severely fractured right leg. Plaintiff underwent twelve surgical procedures and also developed osteomyelitis in the remaining leg. Plaintiff's infectious disease doctor opined that the chance of reoccurrence was possible in the future. Plaintiff claimed past and future wage loss of $ 400,000.

Copyright 2002 Florida Legal Periodicals, Inc.

LAWRENCE MANESS, as Personal Representative of the Estate of LAURA J. MANESS, vs. (DEFENDANT)

TOPIC: Wrongful death

RESULT: $5,000,000.00 for Plaintiff (settlement)

STATE: Florida

COUNTY: Palm Beach

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: Eric Ansel & Timothy M. Bunsic

CAUSE OF INJURY: On December 13, 2002 Laura Maness was operating her vehicle northbound on the Florida Turnpike. The Defendant was operating a 9,000 gallon tanker truck full of gasoline. Plaintiff alleged that the vehicle was negligently operated, causing it to strike Plaintiff's vehicle from behind and with such force that it catapulted it into a nearby canal.

NATURE OF INJURY: Plaintiff drowned. She was a stay at home mother who home schooled all of her children. She was survived by her husband and five children.

ANDREAS VANAERDE and PHYLLIS VANAERDE, vs. WATER EQUIPMENT SERVICES, INC., a Florida Corporation, and JAIME HIPOLITO

TOPIC: Pedestrian hit by motor vehicle

RESULT: $600,000.00 for Plaintiff (settlement)

STATE: Florida

COUNTY: Broward

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: Eric Ansel & Timothy M. Bunsic

CAUSE OF INJURY: On March 21, 2002, Plaintiff was a pedestrian who was struck by a Water Equipment Services truck towing a trailer. It was alleged by the Plaintiff that the truck/trailer was being negligently driven causing the trailer to detach from the vehicle and strike the Plaintiff.

NATURE OF INJURY: Shattered pelvis (requiring surgical intervention), dislocated leg, scarring and a strained back.

MAURICE MOREHEAD vs. LEON KON

TOPIC: Automobile negligence

RESULT: $600,000.00 for Plaintiff (settlement)

STATE: Florida

COUNTY: Broward

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: Eric Ansel

CAUSE OF INJURY: On March 10, 2002 Plaintiff was operating his automobile. Plaintiff alleged that the Defendant negligently operated its vehicle causing it strike the Plaintiff's vehicle.

NATURE OF INJURY: Tibial plateau fracture, fractured distal femur, open reduction, internal fixation using IM rod, neck pain, right knee pain and multiple injuries.

KENNETH PALMER vs. PENN TANK LINES, INC. and RICHARD RATZELL

TOPIC: Motor Vehicle Accident - Gas Explosion

RESULT: $ 133,000 for Plaintiff. (verdict)

($ 8,000 - past medical expenses; $ 100,000 - past pain and suffering; $ 25,000 - future pain and suffering).

Defendant Ratzell's Negligence: 75%; Fabre Defendant Florida Department of Transportation's Negligence: 25%

STATE: Florida

COUNTY: Broward

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: Eric L. Ansel and Tim Bunsic of The Law Offices of Ansel, Bunsic & Miller, L.L.C., Hollywood; Michael Palahach of Palahach & Cruanes, Coral Gables

CAUSE OF INJURY: On January 25, 1999, Plaintiff alleged that he was injured as a result of rescuing and pulling Jackie Genard from a burning vehicle and carrying her to safety on the 595 exit ramp to S.R. 7 in Ft. Lauderdale. Plaintiff claimed that Defendant Ratzell while operating a gasoline filled tanker truck owned by Defendant Penn Tank Lines, in the course and scope of his employment with Penn Tank Lines, allegedly operated the tanker truck in a negligent manner and with reckless disregard to the safety of others. Specifically, he lost control of the gasoline filled tanker truck while traveling at a high rate of speed, causing it to slide on its side and collide with the vehicle in which Genard was a passenger. The truck then exploded numerous times and burst into flames, burning the vehicle occupied by Genard. Plaintiff was knocked down due to explosions while carrying Genard to safety. Defendants alleged a road design problem in the area where the accident occurred, making Florida Department of Transportation a Fabre Defendant.

NATURE OF INJURY: Dorsal and lumbosacral sprain/strain. Dr. May assigned Plaintiff an 8-10% disability to the body as a whole.