Jury Awards $1.4 Million Against the City of Middletown in Auto Negligence Case

Jones, Sheila v. Lardi, William, et al.

Case Background

Sheila Jones filed an auto negligence lawsuit against William Lardi, an employee of the City of Middletown over a motor vehicle accident. The case was filed in the Connecticut State, Superior Court, Middletown JD, with Judge Rupal Shah presiding. [Case number: MMX-CV23-6036646-S]

Cause

On June 13, 2022, at about 9:28 a.m., Sheila Jones drove her vehicle east on College Street in Middletown, Connecticut. She approached the intersection with Main Street, where both streets are public roadways. At the same time, William Lardi, an employee of the city, drove his vehicle west on Dingwall Drive, nearing the same intersection with Main Street.

Both drivers faced a solid green traffic signal at their respective intersections. Without warning, Lardi suddenly turned left across the eastbound lane of College Street. His vehicle collided with Jones’s vehicle, causing her to suffer injuries and other losses.

Injury

The collision caused Sheila Jones to sustain several injuries, some of which may have lasting effects. She experienced neck pain and cervical radiculopathy, which affected her mobility and daily activities. She also suffered from frequent headaches, adding to her discomfort.

Jones reported pain in her left shoulder, armpit, and elbow, further limiting her ability to perform routine tasks. The crash aggravated a previous cervical spine injury, worsening her condition. Additionally, she experienced thoracic spine pain and persistent back pain, making movement difficult.

Beyond the physical injuries, Jones endured significant mental and physical suffering as a result of the accident. These injuries collectively impacted her overall well-being and quality of life.

Damages

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal Representation

• Plaintiff(s): Sheila Jones
  • Counsel for Plaintiff(s): Brian M. Flood

• Defendant(s): City of Middletown | William Lardi
  • Counsel for Defendant(s): Nicholas N. Ouellette

Claims

First Count: Negligence

Sheila Jones alleged that William Lardi’s negligence caused the collision. She alleged that Lardi failed to keep a proper lookout for other vehicles and did not turn or swerve to avoid the crash. He also failed to brake in time or sound his horn to provide a timely warning.

Additionally, Lardi failed to maintain control of his vehicle and was inattentive while driving. He drove at an unreasonable speed, disregarding road conditions, traffic, and the intersection, obstructed traffic, and turned left unsafely.

Lardi also failed to yield the right of way while turning left at an intersection with a green light. Lastly, he did not yield to eastbound traffic while turning left onto Main Street.

Second Count: Municipal Liability

Jones also held the City of Middletown accountable under Connecticut General Statutes § 7-465. She claimed the city owned the vehicle Lardi was operating at the time of the collision. Lardi acted as an employee of the city when the crash occurred.

Jones formally notified the City of Middletown on August 16, 2022, of her intent to file this lawsuit, as required by § 7-465. The city was supposedly liable for Lardi’s alleged negligence under this statute.

Defense

The City of Middletown and William Lardi raised the following special defenses in response to Sheila Jones’s claims:

First Special Defense
The Defendants argued that her own carelessness or negligence caused any damages or injuries Jones sustained. Specifically, they alleged that Jones:
a) Failed to maintain a proper lookout.
b) Did not sound her horn or provide a timely warning of the impending collision.
c) Operated her vehicle without proper control.
d) Failed to turn her vehicle in time to avoid the crash.
e) Did not keep her vehicle within the correct lane.
f) Was distracted while driving.
g) Failed to take proper precautions to prevent the collision.
h) Did not apply her brakes when necessary.
i) Drove at an unreasonable speed given the road’s width, traffic, and use, violating common law.
j) Traveled too fast for the conditions, violating Connecticut General Statutes § 14-218a.

Second Special Defense
The Defendants also claimed immunity from liability under governmental immunity laws. They asserted that Lardi was performing a municipal function at the time of the collision. Therefore, they argued they were protected from negligence claims involving discretionary acts, pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes § 52-557n(a)(2)(B).

Jury Verdict

On December 16, 2024, the jury found in favor of the Plaintiff, Sheila Jones, and against the Defendants, William Lardi and the City of Middletown. They awarded the Plaintiff the following damages:

Court Documents:

Complaint

Answer

Verdict