Accident with Cleaning Supply Truck Causes Debilitating Stroke
A California man recently received a jury verdict of more than $21 million from a lawsuit pertaining to an auto accident that caused him to have a debilitating stroke. 29-year-old Michael Nelsen was riding as a passenger on August 17, 2007 when the vehicle he was riding in was rear ended by a truck traveling at least 80 miles per hour. The truck was owned by Hillyard, Inc., a cleaning supply company. Nelsen suffered a broken femur and other fractures and suffered a stroke caused by blood clots the resulted from the accident. The stroke has caused permanent damage to the left side of his brain. Nelsen filed suit against the company and received the $21 million settlement to cover his medical costs and pain and suffering.
When an employee is driving a company vehicle, as in this case, the company is responsible for the actions of those employees. This means that if an employee causes an automobile accident, the company may be held responsible for the resulting injuries. In this case, the injuries to Mr. Nelsen are permanent and will most likely require medical treatment for the rest of his life. This is why the jury awarded such a large judgment against Hillyard.
