Two elderly Hanford women have been awarded $17.4 million after being hit by a city tree-trimming truck.
The two women secured their payout after a Kings County jury sided with them over the city in a lawsuit.
Driving the news: Last year a city employee driving a tree-trimming truck ran a stop sign at 51 miles per hour and hit the vehicle the women were in.
- Both victims, who are in their 80s, suffered significant orthopedic and head injuries.
The big picture: Sweet James Accident Attorneys represented the two women and secured the largest award in Kings County history.
- Sweet James said Hanford refused to offer a significant settlement before the trial because of the lack of noteworthy verdicts in Kings County since 2010.
- The 89-year-old victim was awarded $9.6 million by the jury, and the 81-year-old victim was awarded $7.8 million.
What they’re saying: “This verdict is a testament to the strength and resilience of our clients,” said attorney Steve Mehr, Founding Partner at Sweet James. “Our firm is dedicated to fighting for justice, and this case underscores the importance of legal representation in ensuring accident victims receive the compensation they deserve. We are proud to have helped our clients secure this life-changing verdict.”
- Attorney Ashkahn Mohamadi added, “This verdict should send a message to insurance companies and big government: at this firm we believe in full justice, not discount justice. If you do wrong, we intend on holding you responsible for the harm you cause.”
