Reynolds, Sr., Thomas, Administrator of the Estate v. Millette, Eric R.

Case Background

Thomas Reynolds Sr., acting as the administrator of Gordon T. Reynolds’ estate, filed an auto negligence lawsuit seeking damages for Gordon Reynolds’ injuries and death. The lawsuit was filed in the Connecticut Superior Court, Rockville JD. Judges Carletha Parkinson, Cody Guarnieri, David Sheridan, Jennifer Macierowski, and Josephine Graff presided over this lawsuit. [Case number: TTD-CV21-6023487-S]

Cause

Eric R. Millette, a resident of Columbia, Connecticut, was named as the Defendant.

On September 15, 2019, at approximately 10:20 p.m., Gordon T. Reynolds was riding his motorcycle eastbound on Route 66, approaching the intersection with Pine Street in Columbia, Connecticut. At the same time, Millette drove westbound on Route 66 toward the same intersection.

Without warning, Millette attempted a left turn onto Pine Street, cutting directly in front of Reynolds’ motorcycle. The sudden turn caused a collision, resulting in Reynolds’ injuries and losses.

Injury

Due to the negligence of Defendant Millette, the decedent was thrown from the motorcycle. He suffered severe blunt force trauma, leading to painful injuries. These injuries ultimately caused his death on September 20, 2019.

As a result of the collision and injuries, the decedent endured immense pain and trauma. He also experienced fear of impending death. On September 20, 2019, he passed away from the injuries sustained in the accident.

Damages

As a result of the Defendant’s actions, the Plaintiff incurred medical, funeral, and final expenses. He also lost wages and suffered a diminished earning capacity. Furthermore, Defendant’s conduct deprived the Plaintiff’s decedent of the ability to enjoy life’s normal and pleasurable activities.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal Representation

  • Plaintiff(s): Thomas Reynolds Sr.
    • Counsel for Plaintiff(s): Anthony Alan Sheffy
  • Defendant(s): Eric R. Millette
    • Counsel for Defendant(s): Patrick M. Mullins

Claims

Plaintiff argued that the collision was caused by Defendant Millette’s negligence and carelessness. Specifically, Millette operated his vehicle inattentively, failing to maintain a proper lookout. He also drove at an excessive speed, disregarding the road’s width, traffic, intersection, and weather conditions. Millette failed to maintain control of his vehicle and did not apply his brakes in time to prevent the crash, despite being able to do so with reasonable effort. Additionally, he failed to maneuver his vehicle to avoid the collision, even though he could have done so with reasonable action. He also neglected to sound his horn or provide any warning of the impending crash, although he could have with reasonable awareness. Finally, Millette made an improper left turn and failed to yield the right of way at an intersection.

Defense

In his defense, Defendant claimed that any injuries, losses, or damages the Plaintiff or decedent suffered were caused by his own negligence. The Defendant argued that the Plaintiff’s actions were a substantial factor in the accident. The Plaintiff, according to the Defendant, was contributorily negligent in several ways. First, he failed to use his senses and faculties reasonably. Second, he did not exercise the care that an ordinary person would have used for his own safety given the circumstances. Third, the Plaintiff failed to keep a proper lookout for the approaching vehicle. Additionally, the Plaintiff operated his motorcycle inattentively and without maintaining proper awareness. He also drove at an excessive speed, acting recklessly considering the road’s width, traffic, intersections, and weather conditions. Lastly, the Plaintiff operated his motorcycle at night without ensuring his headlight was properly illuminated.

Jury Verdict

The jury found in favor of the Plaintiff, Thomas Reynolds Sr., Administrator of the Estate of Gordon Reynolds, against the Defendant, Eric R. Millette. The jury determined that Defendant Eric R. Millette, was 100% liable for the accident. The Plaintiff’s decedent, Gordon Reynolds, was found to have no liability.

The jury awarded the following damages:

  • Total economic damages: $418,581.
  • Total non-economic damages: $2,053,865.42.
  • Total damages (economic + non-economic): $2,500,000.

After applying the percentage of liability, the final award to Thomas Reynolds Sr., Administrator of the Estate of Gordon Reynolds, was $2,500,000.

Court Documents:

Complaint

Answer

Verdict