Kristina M. Cuoco v. Carlos Vega et al

Parties Involved

  • Plaintiff(s):Kristina M. Cuoco
  • Counsel for Plaintiff: David a Zipfel| Walsh Woodard

 

  • Defendant(s):Carlos Vega | Jasmyn D. Bartlett a/k/a Jasmyn D. Walsh | The Standard Fire Insurance Company
  • Counsel for Defendants: Garraty Cynthia M. Law Offices
  • Experts for Defendant(s): Jonas V. Lieponis, M.D

Verdict Information

  • Verdict Date:
  • Total damages awarded to Plaintiff: $1,765,116.91
  • For economic damages: $15,116.91
  • For past non- economic damages: $700,000
  • For future non- economic damages: $1,050,000

About the Case

Cause

On July 29, 2021, Kristina M. Cuoco filed a personal injury lawsuit against Carlos Vega, Jasmyn D. Bartlett, and The Travelers Standard Fire Insurance Company in the Superior Court, Judicial District of New London, Connecticut.

The complaint alleged that on July 30, 2019, around 8:00 p.m., Cuoco was driving southbound on Route 85 near the intersection of Route 161 in Montville, Connecticut. At the same time and location, Vega was driving a vehicle owned by Bartlett in the same direction. As Cuoco’s vehicle was stopped for traffic, Vega suddenly and without warning rear-ended her vehicle. The forceful collision violently threw Cuoco around inside her vehicle, causing severe injuries.

According to the complaint, Vega’s negligent driving directly caused the rear-end collision and Cuoco’s injuries. Specifically, Vega allegedly drove at an unreasonable speed, failed to maintain proper control, did not keep a proper lookout for other vehicles, failed to apply the brakes to avoid the collision, drove while distracted in violation of Connecticut’s distracted driving laws, followed too closely behind Cuoco’s vehicle in violation of the state’s following-too-closely statute, and failed to exercise reasonable care as a prudent driver given the circumstances.

Injury

As a result of the car accident caused by Vega’s negligence, Cuoco sustained significant personal injuries requiring medical treatment. Her injuries included a sprain/strain of the cervical spine, a small disc protrusion at C5-C6 in her neck causing radiating pain, acute pain in her left knee, a ganglion cyst of the wrist, left buttock pain, neck pain, patellar tendonitis of the left knee, a hamstring strain in her left leg, and wrist pain. Cuoco also suffered non-economic damages such as fear, anxiety about future medical procedures, mental anguish, nervousness, frustration, depression, and loss of sleep. The complaint alleged that some of these injuries might be permanent.

Due to her accident injuries, Cuoco incurred substantial economic damages. She was restricted from her normal activities and ability to enjoy life. Cuoco incurred and would continue to incur considerable expenses for hospital care, doctor visits, physical therapy, x-rays, medications, and other medical treatment and supplies. She also allegedly lost time from work, causing lost income, and her future earning capacity may have been impaired.

Damages

After exhausting Vega’s insurance policy limits, the complaint brought an underinsured motorist claim against Cuoco’s own auto insurer, The Travelers Standard Fire Insurance Company. It alleged that The Travelers was responsible for compensating Cuoco for her injuries, damages, and losses pursuant to her underinsured motorist coverage and Connecticut’s underinsured motorist laws.

The complaint sought monetary damages from all defendants for Cuoco’s economic and non-economic harm caused by the rear-end collision. The amount she demanded in the lawsuit was greater than $15,000.00, excluding interest and costs.

Jury Verdict

The jury found in favor of the plaintiff, Kristina Cuoco, and against the defendant, The Standard Fire Insurance Company. The jury awarded total economic damages to Cuoco of $15,116.91.

For non-economic damages, the jury awarded a total of $1,750,000. This included $700,000 for past non-economic damages Cuoco had already suffered and $1,050,000 for future non-economic damages she was anticipated to suffer.

By adding the economic damages of $15,116.91 and the total non-economic damages of $1,750,000, the jury awarded Cuoco a total of $1,765,116.91 in damages against The Standard Fire Insurance Company.

Court Documents:

Complaint

Jury Verdict