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As featured on the NJ.com, a $2 million settlement was reached for a Middlesex County teen struck by a vehicle while seated on the curb. The Plaintiff sustained injuries resulting from the collision.
East Brunswick, New Jersey (April 26, 2023) — Plaintiff, Melanie Morales, age 18, a resident of East Brunswick, New Jersey, was seated on the curb on Prigmore Street in East Brunswick when a vehicle being driven by Defendant, Ashleigh S. Drummond and owned by Defendant, Richard Drummond, struck her on her left side.
As a result of the accident, plaintiff’s doctor, Dr. Shah of Princeton Brain & Spine, opined that Ms. Morales required surgical intervention in the form of an anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion at C6-7. As a result of the crash, Ms. Morales suffered a laceration to her left thigh.
Defendants’ medical expert, Dr. Kenneth Kutner, neuropsychologist, opined that as a result of the accident, Ms. Morales developed an Acute Stress Reaction which continued into Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Dr. Kutner opined that plaintiff’s PTSD had improved with therapy.
The matter settled on April 14, 2023, prior to trial after a settlement conference with Presiding Judge Michael V. Cresitello, Jr. Defendants had a $250,000 policy of insurance and $1.75 million of excess coverage with Chubb.
Plaintiff, Melanie Morales, was represented by Michael T. Heck, Esq. and Daniel N. Epstein, Esq. of Epstein Ostrove, LLC. After settlement, Mr. Heck indicated, “We fought hard for Ms. Morales. We believed in her case and we’re hopeful that this settlement will allow her to move forward with her life after years of litigation.”
Mr. Heck is a Super Lawyers Rising Star and a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
Defendants Ashleigh Drummond and Richard Drummond were represented by Nicole Hollingsworth, Esq. of the Law Offices of Frank A. Viscomi and Brian Steller, Esq. of the Law Offices of Connell Foley.
Epstein Ostrove, LLC is a full-service litigation and trial law firm servicing New Jersey and New York. The firm handles personal injury, matrimonial, criminal and complex commercial litigation.
Epstein Ostrove, LLC is located at 200 Metroplex Drive, Suite 304, Edison, New Jersey (732-828-8600).