Notable Verdicts and Settlements
The attorneys at Cellino & Barnes have recovered over One Billion Dollars for our injured clients. Some notable settlements and jury verdicts achieved by our personal injury attorneys include:
Over $40 Million - Auto Accident Victim
Facts - Confidential
$12.25 Million - Settlement offered to Burn Victim
20-year-old client was rear-ended by an intoxicated driver. The defendant was driving a large commercial truck. As a result of the accident, the client's car caught fire resulting in the client suffering 2nd and 3rd degree burns over 60% of her body. Case settled shortly before jury selection for $12,250,000.
$4.8 Million - Jury Awards Truck Accident Victim
Our client was a forty-four year old woman who was injured when a large truck made a right-hand turn into the car that she was driving. She suffered disabling back injuries. The case was tried to verdict. At no time prior to verdict did the insurance company offer to settle for anything more than $300,000.
$3.76 Million - Rear-End Collision Causes Serious Injuries
While stopped in traffic, our client was rear-ended by defendant's vehicle.
As a result of this accident, our client suffered multiple injuries, including back injuries, which required spinal surgery.
The Cellino & Barnes' attorneys were able to force the defendants to pay our client $3.76 million.
$3.25 Million - Truck Accident Victims Suffer Back Injuries
Our clients were on the job working as City Garbage Collectors, when their vehicle was t-boned by a truck that ran a red light.
As a result of this accident, our clients suffered injuries to their back, knee, neck and head. Both clients underwent spinal fusion surgeries.
As a result of his thorough preparation, the insurance companies, on the eve of trial, finally agreed to our settlement demand of $1.75 million and $1.5 million, respectively.
$2.34 Million -Verdict
Our client was southbound on a country highway, when the defendant pulled out of a parking lot and struck our client, causing his car to roll on its side.
As a result of this accident, our client suffered injuries to his left knee and a tear to his left shoulder, requiring surgery. He also suffered a closed head injury.
The case settled for a confidential amount during defendants' appeal of the verdict.
$2 Million - Multi-Car Accident Victims Accept Settlement
Husband and wife were involved in a high-speed "chain reaction" accident in which another vehicle ran into the back end of our clients' vehicle. Client's (husband) seat broke in the collision and collapsed on their child who was in the back seat. The child was not injured.
Client (husband) sustained severe injuries to his neck and back, which will prevent him from working for the rest of his life. He subsequently underwent multiple surgeries and will be forced to undergo additional surgery in the future. He continues to suffer pain to this day. Client (wife) suffered multiple cervical herniations, with unrelenting neck pain.
An attorney at Cellino & Barnes worked day and night on this case and underwent numerous settlement negotiations to no avail. We moved forward and hired experts to testify at trial. Approximately one week before jury selection, the insurance company for the other vehicles involved came to an agreement and offered a total of $2,000,000, which was accepted by our clients.
$1.175 Million - Motorcycle Accident Victim
Our client was injured in a motorcycle accident, when the defendant pulled out of the curb to make a u-turn, striking our client on his motorcycle.
As a result of this accident, our client suffered multiple fractured ribs, a fractured collar bone and two fractured ribs, requiring surgery.
Cellino & Barnes attorneys prevailed in the arbitration of this case, which resulted in a $1.175 Million award to our client.
$1.73 Million - Jury Awards Auto Accident Victim
Plaintiff was exiting the highway when he was rear-ended by another vehicle.
As a result of the accident, our client suffered a back injury, which required surgery. He also underwent left knee surgery.
Attorneys for the party responsible for the accident refused to settle the case. As a result, Cellino & Barnes proceeded to trial. The trial lasted approximately two weeks and after the jury deliberated, they came back with an award in the amount of $1,735,500.
$1.9 Million - Head-On Collision Results in Back Surgery
Our client was a passenger in a vehicle that was hit head-on, when the defendant swerved into their lane of traffic. As a result of this accident, our client had back surgery.
On the eve of trial, Cellino & Barnes attorneys were able to settle for $1.9 million.
$1.5 Million - Car Accident Victim Receives $1.5 Million
A woman suffered serious injuries after her vehicle was side-swiped by another vehicle. As a result of the accident, our client underwent numerous back surgeries.
The case was prepared to go to trial and just prior to jury selection, the defendants succumbed to the pressure and offered our client a $1.5 Million settlement.
$1.5 Million - College Professor Accepts $1.52 Million Settlement
A 37-year old assistant college professor was injured in an accident on the thruway when a Canadian vehicle suddenly crossed over the median directly into his lane of travel. He suffered fractures of both legs, which required surgical repair, one hand and two vertebrae.
After denying responsibility and contesting the seriousness of his injuries, the responsible party finally entered into negotiations shortly before trial.
Our client ultimately accepted a settlement, which provided an immediate payment of $400,000, followed by guaranteed tax-free payments totaling in excess of an additional $1.12 Million.
$1.3 Million - Man Injured in DWI Accident
Our client responded to his wife's broken down car. After pulling his car nose to nose with hers, the defendant (who was DWI) crossed the fog line and struck the back of the wife's car propelling it forward pinning our client between their cars.
As a result of this auto accident, our client's injuries required surgical intervention.
Our attorneys stood firm against the defendants and were proceeding to trial when the defendants finally paid $1.3 million.
$1.25 Million - Man Suffers Serious Injuries in Tractor-Trailer Accident
Our client had stopped his tractor-trailer when he was rear-ended by the defendant, who was also driving a tractor trailer.
Our client suffered a back injury as a result of this truck accident, and had to undergo surgery to repair the damage.
The firm and our client elected to use a binding mediation, wherein he was awarded $1.25 million.
$1.2 Million - Auto Accident Victim Accepts Settlement
Our client was injured when his vehicle was rear-ended by a semi-truck.
Although our client had pre-existing injuries, as a result of this auto accident, our client suffered additional neck injuries, which required surgery.
After on-going settlement negotiations, our attorney was able to secure a settlement of $1.2 million.
$1.19 Million - Woman Accepts Settlement
43-year-old female was stopped in traffic, when she was rear ended by another vehicle.
As a result of this accident, our client suffered neck and back injuries, which required surgery.
After lengthy settlement negotiations, the parties agreed to a settlement of just under $1.2 million.
$1.1 Million - Man Injured In Car Accident
A 52-year-old man received $1.1 million in settlement for injuries he sustained in an auto accident.
The man was proceeding through an intersection, when the defendant ran a red light, striking our client's vehicle.
As a result of the accident, our client sustained neck and back injuries. His back injuries required surgical intervention.
$1.1 Million - Back-Seat Passenger Injured in Rear-End Collision.
Our client was a back-seat passenger in a vehicle that was rear-ended at a red light by the defendant.
As a result of the accident, our client suffered neck and back injuries, which required surgical procedures.
The firm and our client decided to proceed to trial. As trial approached, the defendant felt the pressure and offered $1.1 million.
$1.05 Million - Man Struck by Car
49-year old gentleman was crossing the street at an intersection in his wheelchair, when he was struck by the defendant, who went through a red light.
As a result of this accident, our client suffered back injuries.
The client's health made it questionable whether he would be able to attend or survive until the time of trial. All parties agreed to settle for $1.05 million, which was in the best interest of our client.
$1.05 Million - Car Accident Victim Suffers Injuries
Our client was a passenger in his vehicle when he was struck by the defendant.
As a result of this accident, our client suffered neck and shoulder injuries, which required surgery.
Just prior to the trial, Cellino & Barnes attorneys were able to settle the case for $1.05 million.
$1.05 Million - Pedestrian Suffers Injuries in Car Accident
Our client was walking through a supermarket parking lot, when he was struck by defendant's vehicle.
As a result of the accident, our client suffered severe injuries to her left leg.
After intense negotiations, client was paid $1.05 million.
$1.05 Million - Woman Injured in Tractor-Trailer Accident
Our client had mechanical difficulty with her vehicle, which caused it to stall on the expressway and was subsequently rear-ended by a tractor-trailer.
Following this collision, our client was taken to an area hospital with multiple injuries. Among these were a large complicated laceration to her head, TBI and fractured clavicle.
During the trial, the case settled for $1.05 million.
$1.008 Million - Settlement for Injuries Sustained in Rear-End Collision.
In March 2002, our client was at a red light in the city, when he was rear-ended by a Niagara Mohawk truck.
As a result of the accident, our client sustained neck and back injuries, requiring surgery.
An initial offer to settle was made in the amount of $150,000, which was rejected. The case ultimately went to arbitration where $1,008,000 was awarded to our client.
Settlement Reached for Wrongful Death After Catastrophic Bus Crash
Our client, a truck driver, had pulled over to the side of the road to take his dog for a walk, while our client's wife sat as a passenger in his truck.
As our client stood in front of his tractor-trailer, it was suddenly rear-ended by a charter bus carrying a girls travel hockey team.
As a result of the impact, the tractor-trailer was pushed forward, striking our client, killing him instantly.
Cellino & Barnes Bus Accident Attorney, Richard Barnes, made a Zone of Danger claim on behalf of our client's wife and for the wrongful death of her husband.
After extensive negotiations, Mr. Barnes was able to secure a substantial settlement for our client's wife.
Wrongful Death - Confidential Settlement Reached in Charter Bus Accident
Our client was a passenger on a charter bus traveling across New York State.
The bus driver was apparently unaware of the height of the bus that he was operating. In addition, the driver failed to take notice of the flashing warning lights on an upcoming bridge.
As a result of the bus driver's negligence, the driver drove the bus into the bridge at a speed of 50-55 mph, crashing into the bridge and causing the bus to become lodged under bridge.
Tragically, our client died at the scene.
Attorney Brett Manske worked diligently with the bus company to come to a resolution for our client's family in this case. As a result, the bus company offered a substantial confidential settlement, which was accepted by our client's family.
Bus Accident Settlement Reached for Injured 6 Year Old Girl
Our client, a 6 year old girl, was in a serious accident involving a charter bus in New York.
As a result of this charter bus accident, our client sustained serious injuries in the crash and was admitted into the pediatric ICU for various head, orthopedic, and internal injuries.
Cellino & Barnes attorney Brett Manske led extensive negotiations with the bus company, and was able to secure a substantial settlement for the 6 year old girl and her family, which will provide the financial means to attend to our client's needs throughout her lifetime.
$3,325,500 - Construction Worker Accepts Settlement
A 35-year old construction worker was working with a cement gun, when it backfired and knocked him six feet to the ground.
He suffered multiple injuries to his neck, back and elbow. As a result of these injuries, he underwent multiple surgeries.
Cellino & Barnes commenced an action on his behalf against multiple parties, including the property owners and general contractor of the construction site for failing to provide a safe place to work, which caused this construction accident.
Cellino & Barnes' construction accident attorney proceeded to trial and hired numerous experts to testify. The case ultimately settled after opening statements for $3,325,500.
$3 Million - Construction Worker Accepts Offer After Falling Off Scaffolding.
A 32-year old man sustained injuries after falling while engaged in a commercial painting project.
He was working on a device called a "pick" at the height of approximately 20 to 25 feet. While engaged in work prepatory to painting, he was attacked by a swarm of bees and was caused to fall from the pick to the pavement below. He was not provided with ropes, tie-offs, safety belts or similar safety devices that may have prevented his fall from the elevated work site.
As a result, he suffered multiple injuries and underwent numerous medical procedures, including a lumbar fusion surgery.
The case went to trial and was appealed. In the end, our client was awarded $3,000,000.
$2.5 Million - Audio Engineer Accepts Settlement Offer
An audio engineer was helping to put together a light grid, when it began to fall, due to a loose bolt. Our client was forced to jump off the tower when he was about 15' off the ground.
As a result, he sustained very severe orthopedic injuries to both legs, which resulted in multiple surgical procedures.
Just prior to the jury reading the verdict, defendants offered $2.5 million to settle the case, which was accepted by our client.
$1.75 Million - Gentleman Accepts Settlement After Falling From Roof.
A 40-year old man was working on the construction of a new building. He was standing on the rafters working on the roof, when he fell approximately 22 feet to the ground below.
As a result of the fall, he suffered multiple injuries, requiring surgery.
Although efforts were made to settle the case, the case ultimately went to trial in June 2004 and won. The case was appealed and in July 2005, where plaintiff was ultimately awarded $1,750,000.
$1.675 Million - New York Construction Accident Settlement Reached
Insurance companies will pay 47-year-old Richard Hunt of Cattaraugus $1.675 million for permanent injuries he suffered in a
New York construction accident. Mr. Hunt fell on ice while walking on an unlit walkway at a construction site. The conditions of the walkway were previously mentioned to management, but were ignored.
The settlement offer of just under $1.7 million is a clear indication of Mr. Hunt's injuries and of the defendants' wrong doing for allowing unsafe working conditions.
As a result of this construction accident, Mr. Hunt suffered career-ending spinal injuries and will undergo continued medical treatment over the course of his lifetime.
$1.4 Million - Construction Worker Accepts Settlement.
A 39-year old construction worker was climbing a ladder when a rung broke, causing him to fall to the ground below.
As a result of the fall, he underwent back surgery. He developed a post-surgical infection, which required hospitalization for one week, two additional months on IV antibiotics and a wound vac and two surgeries to close the infected wound.
There was an initial offer of $500,000, which was rejected. Cellino & Barnes proceeded to prepare for trial and hired experts to testify on his behalf. Just prior to jury selection, defendants offered $1.4 million, which was accepted by our client.
$1.3 Million - Construction Worker Falls from Scaffold
A 42-year-old man accepted a $1.3 million settlement for injuries he sustained after falling from a scaffold.
There was an issue about who failed to reinstall a pin which caused a part of the scaffold to collapse. It was alleged the plaintiff failed to reinstall the pin holding up his part of the scaffold, which is the part that collapsed.
As a result of the fall, the plaintiff sustained back and ankle injuries. The plaintiff underwent surgery to his lower back as a result of these injuries.
Just prior to trial, Cellino & Barnes construction accident attorney was able to settle the case for $1.3 million.
$1.25 Million - Construction Worker Settles After Roof Top Fall
A construction worker was gluing rubber on a roof when he was caused to drop off the roof falling on his back approximately 12 feet to the ground, with the glue machine falling on top of him.
As a result of this accident, he suffered severe injuries to his neck, which ultimately resulted in surgery.
Our client was not provided with proper safety devices, such as harnesses and tie-offs, to protect individuals working at elevated worksites.
Although settlement was attempted, Cellino & Barnes pressed forward and prepared for trial. Just prior to trial, an offer of $1,250,000 was made, which was accepted by our client.
$1 Million - Victim Receives Settlement After Frightening Industrial Accident
A 41-year old decorated Army veteran was seriously injured after a Bobcat, loaded with steel, stammed to the ground, catapulting him through the air, landing on his face.
As a result of this accident, our client suffered numerous injuries, including loss of most of his teeth, multiple disc herniations, rib fractures and more.
The Bobcat was only rated to lift up to 1,500 pounds of materials. At the time of this construction accident, the Bobcat was loaded with 2,780 pounds of steel.
After a 9-day trial, the trial court directed a verdict in favor of our client, which was affirmed by the Appellate Division in New York Superior Court. Our client then settled his claim for $1 million, which was the full value of the defendant's insurance policy.
$1.6 Million - Defective Tire Accident
Our client was traveling on the expressway in the left lane, when she swerved to avoid hitting a deer. As she regained control, the front passenger side tire blew out, causing the vehicle to roll over, go off the road, and crash.
As a result of this serious accident, our client suffered numerous injuries, one of which required surgical intervention to repair a left orbital fracture.
Cellino & Barnes, having the power and experience to take on big multi-national companies, held a mediation in New York City with the various defendant corporate manufacturers. After said mediation, we continued with on-going negotiations to resolve this case and in the end, the defendants came together and agreed to pay our client $1.6 Million.
Confidential Settlement - Defective Machinery
Our client was a 40-year-old laborer who was working on a production line. The line jammed and as he was clearing the jam, the machine crushed him. The machine had no shut-off, kill switch or personnel protector.
As a result of this accident, our client suffered numerous injuries and was hospitalized. While in the hospital, our client suffered complications as a result of a medical mistake.
Cellino & Barnes and the client decided to proceed to trial, however, as the trial approached, the defendants felt the pressure and the case was resolved for a confidential sum of money.
$1.225 Million - Child Injured from Defective Product
Our 8-year-old client was walking a dog when the leash she was using broke, causing it to spring back and strike her in the eye.
As a result of the defect in this product, our client lost permanent sight in her right eye.
Parents of the child agreed to a settlement of $1.225 million after an all day mediation. Total payouts over the life of the structured settlement will exceed $4.5 million.
$6 Million - Settlement Awarded in Brain Injury Case
Infant was taken to a hospital for routine surgery. As a result of the negligence of the anesthesiologist, infant went without oxygen for 6 minutes, thus causing irreversible brain damage. Case settled just after jury selection.
$3.25 Million - Infant Suffers Brain Injury
The OB/GYN managing our client's pregnancy failed to induce labor and instead allowed an uncontrolled blood pressure condition to continue. The mother's placenta prematurely separated, causing the baby to be deprived of oxygen. The baby was delivered as an emergency but had already suffered brain damage.
In the best interest of the child, and after intensive negotiations, all parties were able to come to an agreement. The settlement proceeds were structured to guarantee lifelong payments to the child of approximately $11,000 per month, not to total less than $4 million.
$ 2.4 Million - Infant Develops Cerebral Palsy Due to Medical Mistakes
An infant was born 1-1/2 weeks premature and had difficulty breathing. He was transported to a local hospital where he was placed in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. While in the NICU the infant's bilirubin level rose to dangerous levels. Because of an inexcusable delay, he suffered from a brain injury that manifested itself as Cerebral Palsy.
Just prior to jury selection, the various defendants agreed to pay $2.4 million to settle the case. The family will now be able to give their child the care he needs for the remainder of his life.
$2.2 Million settlement, undiagnosed twin pregnancy
A young mother was pregnant with twins. During her prenatal visits she had multiple sonograms at various points in her pregnancy. At no point during the pregnancy did the physician ever realize that the mother was pregnant with twins. Instead, the physician thought that he was dealing with a singleton pregnancy.
At the time of birth, the physician and hospital personnel first realized that this was a twin pregnancy, but not until after the first twin was born. At this point difficulties were encountered with the delivery of the second twin, the delivery was delayed, and, tragically, the second twin suffered severe brain damage, cerebral palsy, and many other lifelong injuries. The case settled at jury selection.
$1.85 Million - Misdiagnosis Results in Organ Transplants
Our 52-year old client went to the emergency room with abdominal pain and was sent home. Two days later, client went into organ failure.
As a result of the misdiagnosis, our client had to undergo organ transplants, including transplantation of her abdominal wall.
Our attorneys took the case to trial and proceeded through to closing arguments. The defendant succumbed to the pressure and offered $1.85 million, which was accepted by our client.
Multi-Million Dollar - Plane Crash Settlement
Facts - Confidential
Confidential Settlement
Michigan Resident receives settlement.
Cellino & Barnes are experienced plane crash attorneys. We help plane crash victims and their families, both locally and internationally and have recovered millions of dollars for our clients.
$1.6 Million Settlement for Slip and Fall Victim
Our client was working inside her place of employment when she slipped on water, a known problem that was supposed to be fixed by the owner of the building.
As a result of a slip and fall accident, our client suffered a herniated disc in her back, which required multiple surgeries.
Cellino & Barnes attorneys,
Dylan Brennan and Greg Pajak were able to secure a settlement in the amount of $1.6 million.
$4 Million - Jury Verdict to Man Injured in Roller Coaster Accident
A gentleman was ejected out of a roller coaster and flew approximately ten feet in the air before landing on pavement.
A jury in Little Valley ordered the Six Flags theme park chain to pay a former Olean businessman approximately $4 million for the Darien Lake roller coaster accident that has left him with an uncorrectable hernia condition.
Following a six-week trial, a jury deliberated for three days before finding Six Flags Darien Lake 100% liable for the accident on its Superman roller coaster.
Following several motions made after the jury verdict, the case ultimately settled for $2.85 million. During the course of the trial, the offer to settle was never greater than $250,000.
If you have been injured, let our New York personal injury attorneys go to work for you. Contact Cellino & Barnes today.