Left Turn Crash: $402K Jury Verdict for Erik Ramos
Case Background
This case arose from a car crash that occurred on January 12, 2021. Erik Ramos was stopped at the intersection of Boston Post Road and Indian River Road in Orange, Connecticut. Alan Barton tried to make a left turn across Boston Post Road. At that moment, another car hit Barton’s vehicle, sending it crashing into Ramos’s car. Ramos suffered serious injuries and sued Alan Barton and Al’s Plumbing and Heating LLC. He claimed Barton acted negligently and recklessly, and that Al’s Plumbing and Heating LLC was liable for allowing Barton to drive.
The cause that led to the legal dispute
Ramos said Barton caused the collision by making a left turn when it was unsafe. According to the complaint, Barton failed to yield, failed to watch the road, and acted carelessly. Ramos also claimed Barton was under the influence and was driving too fast. These acts, he said, caused the crash and his injuries.
Injuries suffered
Ramos suffered significant pain and trauma. He felt pain and radiating discomfort in his back, legs, neck, and arms. He had ongoing headaches, emotional distress, and insomnia. He said the crash changed his daily life and caused long‑term discomfort.
Damages Sought
Ramos claimed both economic and non‑economic damages. He sought compensation for medical treatments, including therapy and diagnostic testing. He also asked for payment for pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. He argued that the accident caused permanent limitations and long‑term medical needs.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Plaintiff’s Position
Ramos argued that Barton acted negligently when he made the left turn across traffic. He said Barton failed to watch for oncoming vehicles and violated traffic laws. He claimed Barton was intoxicated and drove recklessly. According to Ramos, Al’s Plumbing and Heating LLC was liable because Barton acted within the scope of his work, and the company gave him the keys despite knowing about his dangerous habits.
Defence’s Position
Barton admitted to making the left turn and that collisions occurred, but contested the severity of Ramos’s claims. He argued that the evidence did not prove he acted recklessly. Al’s Plumbing and Heating LLC claimed it did not own the vehicle Barton was driving and that he was not working for the company at the time of the crash.
Legal Representation
Plaintiff: Erik Ramos
· Counsel for Plaintiff: Mohan Sreenivasan
Defendant: Alan Barton| Al’s Plumbing and Heating LLC
· Counsel for Defendants: Kelly R. Wall‑Raboin
Claims Asserted
Negligence Against Alan Barton
Ramos claimed Barton acted negligently when he failed to yield the right of way and caused the crash.
Statutory Recklessness Against Alan Barton
Ramos claimed Barton violated state traffic laws by driving under the influence and making an unsafe turn.
Common‑Law Recklessness Against Alan Barton
Ramos alleged Barton acted with a reckless disregard for the safety of others.
Negligent Entrustment Against Al’s Plumbing and Heating LLC
Ramos argued the company knew or should have known about Barton’s behaviour and negligently allowed him to drive.
Negligence Against Al’s Plumbing and Heating LLC
Ramos said the company acted negligently when it failed to prevent Barton from driving while intoxicated.
Defense Arguments
Barton admitted making the left turn and causing the collision, but contested that he acted recklessly. The defense argued that Ramos failed to prove that Barton was impaired or driving erratically. Al’s Plumbing and Heating LLC argued that Barton was not acting within the scope of his work and that it had no control over him or the vehicle.
Jury Verdict
The jury found in favour of Erik Ramos, ruling that Alan Barton acted negligently and recklessly when making a left turn that caused the crash. They awarded Ramos $402,340 in total damages, including $28,000 for future medical expenses and $60,000 for future non‑economic damages such as pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life. The jury also found that Barton violated state traffic laws and acted with statutory and common‑law recklessness, making him liable for double damages. Meanwhile, the jury cleared Al’s Plumbing and Heating LLC of any responsibility, finding in favour of the company on the claims of negligent entrustment and negligence.
Court Documents