Ellie Handa, et al vs. Lucas Nelson, et al

Case Background

On September 21, 2021, Plaintiff  Ellie Handa and others filed a Car accident lawsuit in the Ohio State, Court of Common Pleas of Franklin County (Case number: 21 CV 007414).  Michael J. Holbrook presided over this case.

Cause

On February 13, 2021, 17-year-old Ellie Handa used a fake ID to enter The Big Bar and Grill in Columbus, where she consumed several alcoholic beverages. She met 19-year-old Lucas Nelson inside the bar, who had also been drinking. Lucas offered to drive Ellie and others to a nearby party. Ellie got into Lucas’ vehicle and sat on another passenger’s lap in the back seat, not wearing her seatbelt. As Lucas drove down Frambes Avenue, he crashed into a vehicle that was stopped to parallel park and then collided with a second vehicle operated by Claudia Winslett.

Lucas’ vehicle continued to hit several parked cars on the street, resulting in serious injuries to Ellie. Lucas was arrested and convicted of aggravated vehicular assault, receiving a four-year jail sentence. Ellie filed a car accident lawsuit against Lucas, and The Big Bar and Grill, alleging negligence in the operation of their vehicles and serving alcohol to an underage patron.

Injuries

Ellie sustained severe injuries, including a C5-6 fracture dislocation that required emergency decompression surgery. Despite the surgery, she was left a quadriplegic. In addition, Ellie suffered T2, T3, and T4 compression fractures, T1 and T2 transverse process fractures, a nondisplaced mandible fracture, a left vertebral artery injury, and a right basilar pneumothorax. Ellie also experienced a subdural hematoma and subarachnoid hemorrhage, although the brain injuries mostly resolved. She was diagnosed with neurogenic shock, and her neurogenic bladder and bowel caused further complications.

Following her hospital stay, Ellie was transferred to a rehabilitation facility for two months, and then continued outpatient occupational therapy for a year. She also underwent physical therapy that was ongoing at the time of trial. Ellie developed multiple infections, including urinary tract infections, and was hospitalized briefly after a fall during physical therapy. She also participated in a stem cell trial to improve the function in her hands and legs but experienced only minimal improvement.

Damages

Ellie sought $610,187.66 in past medical expenses and $9,995,309.95 in future medical expenses. She also sought compensation for out-of-pocket expenses, including home renovations and medical supplies. Additionally, Ellie sought damages for both past and future pain and suffering.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal representation

  • Plaintiff(s): Brian Reed | Ellie Handa | Kristin Reed |  Kortney Reed | Braeden T. Vance
    • Counsel for Plaintiff: Michael J. Rourke | Jonathan R. Stoudt
  • Defendant(s): Lucas Nelson | The Large Bar 2159, LLC d/b/a The Big Bar and Grill | Claudia Winslett
    • Counsel for Defendants: Craig G. Pelini | Donald L. Anspaugh

Claims

Ellie filed a car accident lawsuit, claiming that Lucas’ negligence in driving while intoxicated and speeding directly caused the accident. She also sued The Big Bar and Grill for its role in serving alcohol to Lucas despite his being underage, arguing that the bar should have known he was using a fake ID.

Defense

The defense argued that The Big Bar and Grill was not responsible for serving alcohol to Lucas, claiming that the bar did not realize he was underage because he likely used a fake ID. Lucas’ defense also contended that the bar was not at fault for the accident, as they maintained that Lucas’ marijuana use, not alcohol, contributed to the crash. The bar pointed to evidence that Lucas had smoked marijuana in his car prior to the collision. Regarding Ellie, the defense argued that she was comparatively liable for her actions, specifically for using a fake ID to obtain alcohol and for getting into the car with an intoxicated driver. They further asserted that Ellie’s failure to wear a seatbelt contributed to the severity of her injuries.

Jury Verdict

On October 9, 2024, the jury found in favor of Plaintiff Ellie Handa and awarded her a total of $25,955,497.61. This amount included $610,187.66 for past medical costs, $9,995,309.95 for future medical expenses, $11,100,000 for future pain and suffering, $3,500,000 for past pain and suffering, and $750,000 for out-of-pocket expenses.

The jury assigned 65 percent of the liability to Lucas Nelson, 25 percent to The Big Bar and Grill, and 10 percent to Ellie. While the comparative-fault reduction applied only to the noneconomic damages award, Ohio’s noneconomic damages cap did not apply due to the jury’s determination that Ellie had sustained a catastrophic injury. The net award to Ellie, after applying the comparative-fault reduction, was $20,845,497.61.

Court Documents:

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