Matthew Feldman vs. Ethan Parker

Case Background

On October 8, 2021, Plaintiff  Matthew Feldman filed a Drunk driving lawsuit lawsuit in the Mississippi State Newton Circuit Court(Case number: 21cv125). Judge  Caleb E. May presided over the case.

Cause

Matthew Feldman, a 32-year-old employee of River and Roads Directional Drilling, was involved in a severe car accident on June 18, 2021, near Indianapolis, Indiana. Feldman and his co-worker, Ethan Parker, were returning to their cabin after dinner when Parker, who had consumed alcohol, lost control of the GMC 3500 flatbed truck on a rainy, winding road. The vehicle struck a guardrail at approximately 50 mph, which then impaled the passenger cab, severely injuring Feldman.

Injuries

Feldman sustained catastrophic injuries in the accident. His right leg suffered multiple fractures, leading to an immediate amputation at the knee, later extending to the hip. His left leg suffered ACL and MCL tears, resulting in foot drop. Feldman also experienced an open pelvic fracture, a lacerated liver, an open testicular injury, an SI joint separation, and a sciatic nerve injury. He remained conscious for about an hour before being extracted, fearing he might die. Feldman spent six days in the ICU and three weeks in an Indianapolis hospital before transferring to a rehabilitation facility in Mississippi for another month.

Damages

Feldman’s injuries were life-altering, significantly impacting his mobility and quality of life. Despite using a prosthetic, he primarily relies on a scooter and wheelchair for mobility. He also experienced emotional injuries, including depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. His medical bills totaled $544,591, and his lost wages amounted to $133,272. Future economic losses were estimated between $4.2 million and $2.7 million, accounting for ongoing medical expenses and lost earning potential.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal representation

  • Defendant(s):Ethan Parker
    • Counsel for Defendants: James Weems |Kathryn S. Rowe |  Michael O. Gwin
    • Experts for Defendant(s): Michael Winkelman |  Dr. Alex Street

 

Claims

Matthew Feldman filed a lawsuit against Ethan Parker, seeking substantial damages for his catastrophic injuries. Feldman’s legal team emphasized the severity and long-term impact of his injuries, seeking significant non-economic damages for pain, suffering, and diminished quality of life.

Defense

Parker admitted fault for the accident and accepted responsibility for Feldman’s medical bills and lost wages. However, the defense argued that Feldman’s disability and its impact on his future employability were less severe than claimed. The defense aimed to reduce the damages awarded by demonstrating that Feldman’s future prospects were not as dire as portrayed.

Expert Testimony

The Plaintiff presented expert testimony to support his claims. Dr. Howard Katz, a physical medicine specialist, detailed Feldman’s complex injuries. Prosthetics expert Rick Psonak  discussed Feldman’s ongoing prosthetic care needs. Dr. Mark Webb, a psychiatrist, testified about Feldman’s post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. Bruce Brawner developed a life care plan, which CPA James Koerber from Hattiesburg analyzed, estimating Feldman’s lost wages at between $841,000 and $1.69 million and life care costs between $3.4 million and $4.1 million. Accident reconstruction expert Tim Corbitt provided insights into the details of the crash.

The defense relied on expert testimony from Dr. Michael Winkelman, a physical medicine specialist from Flowood, prosthetics expert Dr. Alex Street from Brandon

Jury Verdict

On August 16, 2024, the jury returned a verdict in favor of the Plaintiff, awarding $3,678,723 in economic damages and $400,000 in non-economic damages, for a total of $4,078,22 in a Drunk Driving lawsuit.

Court Documents:

Available Upon Request