Landmark Case:
Nelsen v. Hillyard, Inc., et al.
The Verdict:
$21 Million
Trial attorney(s):
Practice Areas:
Case Synopsis:
A jury ordered cleaning supply distributor Hillyard, Inc. to pay damages totaling more than $21 million to a 29-year-old Iraq War veteran, Michael Nelsen, after he was involved in an auto collision with a speeding Hillyard, Inc. van. The accident took place on August 17, 2007. Brian Panish and Spencer Lucas of Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP represented Nelsen, who suffered a stroke as a result of the accident and who now requires 24-hour care for the remainder of his life.
“The verdict will free up time for his family members who have been so dedicated to caring for him since the accident.”
–Brian Panish, Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP
The accident occurred when a Hillyard employee-driver van rear-ended the vehicle that Mr. Nelsen was a passenger in. According to records, the Hillyard vehicle was traveling at a speed of 80 miles per hour, while the vehicle Mr. Nelsen was in at the time of the car crash was traveling only 15 miles per hour. A promising art student, Mr. Nelsen sustained multiple fractures and a stroke stemming from blood clots that formed in his brain. The catastrophic injury led to permanent brain damage.
Nelsen vs. Hillyard Inc. Case Articles:
Freeway Crash Victim Awarded $21 Million
A San Bernardino County jury has awarded a Fullerton man $21 million in damages for severe injuries he sustained in a freeway crash with a cleaning company truck.
Other Publications:
The RecorderPanish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP recognized in the June edition of The Recorder’s Top Verdicts for the Nelsen v. Hillyard case.
Press Release – Record $21 Million Verdict for Iraq War VeteranA San Bernardino, California jury returned a record verdict on Friday afternoon, October 16, 2009, in an automobile accident case of over $21 million…