Buckley, Brett v. Prado, Heather, et al

In this personal injury case, on April 06, 2024, the Connecticut jury returned a $20,006.98 verdict in favor of Brett Buckley who had sustained severe injuries and damages due to a motor vehicle accident that occurred because of Heather Prado’s negligence.

Case Background

On September 17, 2021, Brett Buckley filed a personal injury case that arose from an accident before the Connecticut State, Superior Court, Judicial Division of Waterbury. Judge Robert D. Andrea presided over this case. [Case number: UWY-CV21-6062290-S]

Cause

On December 11, 2020, around 9:56 a.m., a vehicle operated by Brett Buckley was stopped at an intersection and facing south on Wolcott Street in Waterbury, Connecticut. At the same time, Heather Prado was driving a car owned by Adam Prado. She was traveling south on West Street and had reached a point directly behind Buckley’s car. Without any warning, Prado’s car collided with Buckley’s vehicle, resulting in injuries and damages to Buckley.

At the time of the collision, Brett Buckley held automobile insurance with the Standard Fire Insurance Company. Buckley was covered under the policy issued to him. According to Section 38a-336 of the Connecticut General Statutes, the insurance company was required to provide uninsured motorist benefits. Despite this, the Standard Fire Insurance Company did not compensate Brett Buckley for his injuries.

Injury

Prado’s negligence caused the Plaintiff to sustain several injuries. The Plaintiff experienced headaches, neck pain, and back pain. He also suffered from left leg and left knee pain. The Plaintiff had to endure both mental and physical suffering.

Damages

Prado’s negligence forced the Plaintiff to spend large amounts on hospital and medical care, including medicines, diagnostic tests, and therapy. All these expenses were necessary for his recovery. Additionally, the negligence prevented him from working, which negatively impacted his finances. Consequently, he lost his earning capacity.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal Representation

  • Plaintiff(s): Brett Buckley
    • Counsel for Plaintiff(s): Garrett M. Moore
  • Defendant(s):
    • Counsel for Defendant(s): Allen M. Evan

Claims

Buckley claimed that the collision resulted from Prado’s negligence. Prado failed to keep a proper lookout for other vehicles and followed the Plaintiff’s vehicle too closely. Additionally, she did not apply the brakes in time to avoid the crash. Prado also failed to sound the horn or give a timely warning of the impending collision. Furthermore, she was inattentive and did not maintain proper control of her vehicle. As it was Adam Prado’s car, the Plaintiff claimed that he was vicariously liable to him.

Defense

Adam and Heather Prado did not appear in court. The Standard Fire Insurance Company, in its response, stated that any recovery for the Plaintiff would be limited to the policy’s contractual limits. Furthermore, the recovery would be reduced by any amounts payable under workers’ compensation, disability benefits, or similar laws.

Jury Verdict

On April 06, 2024, the Connecticut jury returned a verdict in favor of the Plaintiffs. She was awarded $20,006.98 in compensation. The breakdown of the amount is as follows:

  • Economic damages: $5,006.98
  • Non-economic damages: $15,000

Court Documents:

Complaint

Answer

Verdict