Josephine Jenkins vs. Christoph Bredahl, et al

Case Background

On January 15, 2020, Plaintiff  Josephine Jenkins filed an Auto accident lawsuit in the Connecticut State, Superior Court of Milford Judicial District (Case number: AAN-CV20-6037019-S). Judge Theodore Tyma presided over the case.

Cause

On December 30, 2017, Josephine Jenkins and Christoph Bredahl traveled northbound on the I-84 Off Ramp in Danbury, Connecticut. The incident occurred around 3:17 p.m. at the intersection of Backus Avenue, which spanned east to west and was regulated by a traffic signal. Christoph Bredahl drove a vehicle owned and maintained by Steven Bredahl, designated for personal and family use. Jenkins stopped her vehicle directly behind Bredahl’s at the red light. Suddenly, Bredahl reversed his vehicle, colliding forcefully with the front of Jenkins’ car, resulting in a violent impact.

Injuries

The force of the collision threw Jenkins about the interior of her vehicle, leaving her with severe and permanent injuries. She sustained a concussion, which led to post-concussion syndrome with multiple debilitating symptoms. These included bilateral tinnitus, double vision, dizziness, headaches, nausea, photophobia, phonophobia, memory loss, and visual processing deficits.

She also suffered a musculoligamentous sprain and strain in her cervical spine with radiculopathy. Additionally, she developed epicondylitis (tennis elbow) in her right elbow. The collision caused extensive soft tissue damage, resulting in pain, stiffness, soreness, discomfort, tenderness, and spasms throughout her cervical and thoracic spine. She experienced radiating pain and numbness extending bilaterally from her neck through her upper and mid-lower back. Similar symptoms appeared in her right upper extremity, affecting her shoulder to her elbow. Jenkins suffered a reduced range of motion in both her cervical spine and right elbow. The trauma also triggered acute anxiety with associated psychological symptoms, disrupted sleep, and led to considerable physical and mental distress.

Damages

Due to her injuries, Jenkins required extensive medical treatment, incurring significant expenses. She sought emergency care, primary physician visits, physical therapy, psychotherapy, ophthalmological and neuropsychological evaluations, audiological testing, and X-rays. Her treatment involved various medications and incidental medical services. The injuries hindered her ability to work, resulting in lost wages. Jenkins sought monetary compensation for her injuries, damages, and financial losses from the collision.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal representation

  • Plaintiff(s): Josephine Jenkins
    • Counsel for Plaintiff: Brian A. Altiieri
  • Defendant(s):Christoph Bredahl | Steven Bredahl
    • Counsel for Defendants: Daniel E. Buley

 Claims

Jenkins filed claims against Bredahl based on multiple acts of negligence. She alleged that he failed to maintain proper attention and control of his vehicle. He drove at an unreasonable speed for the traffic conditions and did not steer or guide his vehicle adequately to avoid the collision. Additionally, she also contended that Bredahl violated Connecticut General Statute §14-243b by reversing unsafely. Further, she allegedly violated §14-296aa by using an electronic device while driving. The Plaintiff claimed he failed to maintain his brakes in good working order and did not use them promptly to prevent the collision. Bredahl also failed to sound his horn or give any warning of the impending impact. She argued he did not exercise due care or act as a reasonably prudent person would under similar circumstances.

Defense

In their response to the Auto accident lawsuit, defendants Christoph and Steven Bredahl, represented by attorney Daniel E. Buley, denied key allegations and presented several special defenses. They admitted the facts in paragraphs 2 through 5 of the complaint but disputed the description of the collision in paragraph 7, along with all claims of negligence in paragraph 13.

The defendants argued that Jenkins contributed to the accident through her own negligence. They claimed she failed to maintain proper attention, keep an adequate lookout, and reasonably control her vehicle to avoid the collision. Additionally, they alleged Jenkins violated Connecticut General Statute §14-240 by following too closely and §14-243 by moving her vehicle when it was unsafe. The defense argued she failed to apply her brakes in time and did not sound her horn, as reasonable care would require in such circumstances.

For the injuries, damages, and medical expenses Jenkins outlined in paragraphs 8 through 12, the defendants claimed insufficient knowledge to confirm or deny, effectively requiring Jenkins to substantiate these claims.

Jury Verdict

On October 11, 2024, the jury rendered a verdict in favor of the Defendant and against the Plaintiff in a Auto accident lawsuit.

Court Documents:

Complaint

Answer

Jury Verdict