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Spinal Cord Injuries
Injured Girl Awarded Biggest Personal Injury Judgment in Orange County History
September 12, 2007
Like all children, 9-year-old Leilani Gutierrez has a lot of potential. She could be anything she wants to be - an actress, a lawyer, a corporate head. Sadly, she'll most likely never realize much of her promise. Liliani is paralyzed, and not expected to live beyond 35. A horrific accident when she was 4 left this bright nine year old on 24 hour care and forced to breathe through a ventilator. Yesterday, a federal judge filed a judgment ordering the US government pay her $55 million in a personal injury settlement. It's the largest personal injury settlement in Orange County history, and it's been awarded in the case of the 2002 car crash that left the Costa Mesa, California girl a quadriplegic.
In 2002, Liliani Gutierrez along with her mother June was returning from a carousel ride. The car was south bound on Newport Boulevard when another car driven by Michael Leinert, an employee of the Department of Army in town on business, ran a red light and broadsided the Gutierrez' Chevrolet, sending it crashing into a pole. Liliani has been on round the clock nursing care since.
According to the Orange County Register, June Gutierrez was awarded a little more than a million dollars. Leilani's lawyers say the little girl's $54 million judgment was awarded in compensation for her medical bills for personal injuries, lost wages, and her suffering. A spokesman for the US Attorney's office in Los Angeles said the government admitted its liability in this devastating accident, and had no plans to appeal the judgment. Leilani meanwhile is heading back to elementary school.
When an accident is caused by an on duty employee causing personal injuries or wrongful death, the employer (in this case the US government) can be held liable for damages. If you've been involved in an auto accident and have suffered serious spinal cord injuries, you'll need immediate legal assistance to protect your rights. Call the experienced personal injury attorneys at The Reeves Law Group for a consultation.
