Cortlandt Jury Awards $138,000 in Rear-End Collision

A rear-end collision on US Highway 6 on the Bear Mountain Bridge in the Town of Cortlandt led to a negligence lawsuit asserting permanent injuries. On September 26, 2021, a plaintiff, a nursing assistant, was operating a vehicle that was struck from behind by a defendant driver. The plaintiff alleged the defendant negligently failed to observe stopped traffic and stop appropriately, resulting in significant and permanent injuries, including left knee meniscus tears and a left shoulder rotator cuff tear requiring surgery. The plaintiff also claimed approximately $22,990 in lost earnings.

The defendant argued that the plaintiff's injuries were neither permanent nor caused by the accident, and disputed the claimed damages. However, a court granted summary judgment on January 30, 2023, finding the defendant completely liable for the accident with no comparative negligence attributable to the plaintiff. The case then proceeded to a jury trial solely on the issue of damages. The jury ultimately awarded the plaintiff $138,000, which included $15,000 for past pain and suffering and $123,000 for future pain and suffering.