Shatanna Hargrove v. Deneisha Cooper

  • Court:  Connecticut State, Fairfield County, Superior Court
  • Case Number: FBT-CV22-6113907-S
  • Filed: March 16, 2022
  • Judges: William Clark | Charles Reed | Thomas Welch
  • Case Type:  V01 – Vehicular – Motor Vehicles – Driver and/or Passenger(s) vs. Driver(s)
  • Cause: Negligence

Parties Involved

  • Plaintiff(s):Shatanna Hargrove
    • Counsel for Plaintiff: East Rock Law LLC | Mohan Sreenivasan, Esq.
  • Defendant(s): Deneisha Cooper| David Cooper
    • Counsel for Defendants: Stephanie A. Onorato, Esq.| Hanks Olsen & Sheehan

 Verdict Information

  • Verdict Date: May 3, 2024
  • Total amount awarded to Plaintiff:$0 (Verdict for Judgement) 

About the Case

Cause

In a car accident that occurred on March 11, 2020, in Bridgeport, CT, Shatanna Hargrove, the plaintiff and a resident of Stratford, CT, had her motor vehicle stopped along the curb of Mill Hill Avenue, facing southbound. Deneisha Cooper, a defendant and resident of Bridgeport, CT, was operating her vehicle northbound on the same Mill Hill Avenue.

As Hargrove was pulling away from the curb to re-enter the flow of traffic, Cooper suddenly and without any warning struck Hargrove’s vehicle. This collision resulted in Hargrove suffering injuries and incurring losses.

The complaint alleges that this occurrence was directly caused by the negligence and carelessness of the defendant, Deneisha Cooper. Specific allegations of negligence against Cooper include that she was traveling at an excessive rate of speed, failed to maintain a proper lookout to avoid the collision, did not sound her horn or provide any warning of the impending collision, failed to keep her automobile under proper control, failed to turn or apply brakes in time to avoid the collision, and proceeded unsafely when she should have halted given the circumstances.

Additionally, the complaint cites violations of several Connecticut statutes by Cooper, including improper turning, unsafely changing course, unreasonable speeding, and speeding in general.

It is to be noted that the vehicle operated by Deneisha Cooper was owned by David Cooper, another named defendant. The complaint alleges Deneisha operated David’s vehicle with his express or implied permission and consent, and/or within the scope of the family car doctrine, making David vicariously liable.

Injury

As a direct and proximate result of Deneisha Cooper’s alleged negligence, Shatanna Hargrove suffered severe physical and mental injuries that profoundly limited her ability to carry on with normal life activities. She incurred substantial medical expenses for treatment such as physical therapy, x-rays, medication, and diagnostic testing related to the collision injuries. Ongoing future medical costs are likely. Moreover, Hargrove was rendered unable to perform her occupational duties due to her injuries. This resulted in lost wages and diminished earning capacity during her recovery period. The complaint alleges Hargrove sustained extremely painful, serious bodily injuries from the violent impact. Some of these injuries are potentially permanent in nature, including head and neck trauma, bilateral arm pain, back injuries, severe headaches, sleeplessness, emotional distress, and overall pain and suffering.. These wide-ranging injuries represent significant physical and emotional damages directly caused by Cooper’s purported negligent driving that violently collided with Hargrove’s vehicle.

Damages

Shatanna Hargrove sought monetary damages to compensate her for the economic losses and expenses she incurred as a direct result of the collision caused by Deneisha Cooper’s alleged negligence. These included compensatory damages for medical treatment costs, lost income, and other economic harm. Beyond just economic damages, Hargrove sought compensatory damages. She requested monetary compensation for non-economic damages like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Furthermore, Hargrove requested that the court award her any other relief it deemed legally appropriate and equitable. This request was based on the facts presented in her claim against Cooper. The relief could include additional remedies beyond monetary damages. These remedies would be warranted to make her whole again after her rights were violated by the purported negligence.

Jury Verdict

The jury found in favor of the defendant, Deneisha Cooper, and against the plaintiff, Shatanna Hargrove, in the personal injury lawsuit stemming from the March 2020 car accident.

 Court Documents

Complaint

Jury Verdict