Traumatic Brain Injury

$10.1 million
Case Details: This judgment for 12 year-old Rasheed Hilson was entered in July, 2009 after 15 days of trial before Hon. Leslie Nichols, Santa Clara County Superior Court after the defendant's insurance company, Amica Mutual Insurance, refused to pay its $50,000 policy to put to rest this youngster's severe injury claims, including brain damage, hemiplegia, and multiple fractures. On November 14, 2007, Rasheed left the Morrill Middle School on Cropley Avenue, San Jose, and raced down the driveway, intent on catching a bus. A typical 12 year-old, he thoughtlessly ran into the street and into the path of a car traveling at 35 mph. The San Jose Police Department concluded the speed limit was 35 mph because the crash occurred at 4:30 pm and the school had closed at 2:30 pm. The police department failed to inquire why six witnesses to the event were 11 and 12 year-olds. Had they asked the police would have learned that an interschool basketball game was underway in the school's gym and according to the testimony of the school principal, the Morrill Middle School was in operation at 4:30 pm. Rasheed suffered profoundly severe injuries, which are permanent and which will require lifelong care. Tried by Richard Alexander and Jeff Rickard. As a result of this case both were named Santa Clara County Trial Lawyers of the Year 2008.
In-depth details. Hilson v. Tran, Santa Clara County Superior Court.

$8.1 million
Case Details: 15 year old boy suffered irreversible brain damage when his family's car was sideswiped by a tractor and trailer. Rejected original settlement offer for $4.5 million. Jury deliberated one day before delivering its unanimous verdict.
Byer v. Market Transport

$1,000,000
Case Details: 51 year old computer executive suffered a skull fracture and brain injury when he fainted and fell to the deck of a WWII military cargo ship while it was in port preparing for a Saturday cruise.
San Francisco Superior Court number 301570

$750,000
Case Details: A woman suffered a brain injury as a result of plaintiff rear-ending a tractor and trailer which had turned into her lane of travel.
Lemley v. C&C Warehouse Trucking, San Joaquin County Superior Court Action No. 186124

$500,000
Case Details: A Californian visiting a Las Vegas casino left his table at a casino restaurant and was making his way to the men’s room. He next woke up and found himself on the way to the hospital with a brain injury caused by a casino employee slamming into a defectively designed swinging kitchen door that extended into the walkway allowing it to strike casino guests. The casino settled on the condition its name not be mentioned.
John Doe v. Very Famous Casino, Clark County District Court, Nevada.