Buffalo, New York | $1,050,000 | Motor Vehicle Collision
The plaintiff, Paula Minsterman, a college freshman, was driving on State Route 33 (Kensington Expressway) through heavy rain. She lost control of her car going off the pavement, struck a retaining wall, and came to rest partially in the left lane facing oncoming traffic. Shortly after, defendant Martin, driving a rental car from National, struck the plaintiff's car forcing it onto the shoulder of the road. Shortly after, defendant Arcadipane struck the Minsterman vehicle as Paula remained in the car lying across the front seat partially unconscious. Defendant Rudnik, traveling approximately 60-80 miles per hour, then struck the Minsterman vehicle again causing it to burst into flames.
Minsterman sustained spinal fractures in her mid back and a herniated disc in her low back. The insurance company for the defendants offered a total of $50,000 before trial. The jury returned a verdict of $1,050,000 for Minsterman after a 2½-week trial.
After this verdict, Mr. Ballow was asked to tape record, for publication, the summation he delivered by a national legal publishing company. This summation is available on tape to assist other trial lawyers.
