Richard Strong vs. Carole Worm
Case Background
On May 25, 2022, Plaintiff Richard Strong filed a Reckless driving accident lawsuit in the Connecticut Superior Court, Hartford Judicial District (Case number: HHD-CV22-6155953-S). Amir Shaikh presided over this case.
Cause
On November 2, 2020, at approximately 5:57 p.m., Richard Strong drove his vehicle westbound on Sullivan Avenue near the intersection with Kennedy Road in South Windsor, Connecticut. At the same time, Carole Worm was driving her vehicle southbound on Kennedy Road and stopped at the stop sign at the intersection. Without checking for oncoming traffic, she turned left and proceeded eastbound onto Sullivan Avenue. She collided violently with the front end of Richard Strong’s vehicle because she failed to look for approaching vehicles. The impact of the reckless driving accident resulted in significant damage and injuries.
Carole Worm admitted to the responding police officer that she did not check for westbound traffic before turning. Her negligence in failing to yield the right-of-way directly caused the accident.
Injuries
The reckless driving accident inflicted multiple injuries on Richard Strong. He suffered trauma to his head, face, nose, right hip, neck, and back. Additionally, the collision caused him to experience vertigo and a concussion. These injuries led to persistent pain, discomfort, and restricted mobility. After the accident, Richard Strong required immediate emergency medical care, including diagnostic imaging, physician evaluations, and physical therapy. These treatments aimed to alleviate his pain and restore function, but the injuries proved severe and long-lasting.
Richard’s injuries appeared to be permanent, causing ongoing discomfort and limitations. The pain from the accident affected his ability to perform daily activities and participate in hobbies and work-related tasks. He also experienced mental and emotional distress, including anxiety about his future health and fear of permanent disability. The need for continuous medical treatments, including potential surgeries and medications, underscored the seriousness of his injuries. The physical and psychological toll of the accident significantly altered Richard Strong’s quality of life.
Damages
The reckless driving accident caused Richard Strong to incur significant economic damages. He spent substantial amounts on emergency medical care, diagnostic imaging, physical therapy, and medications to manage his pain. These costs continued to accumulate as his injuries required ongoing care. This personal injury lawsuit seeks compensation for these medical expenses. Richard may also need future treatments, including surgeries, which will result in additional costs.
Richard Strong’s injuries forced him to miss work, causing lost wages and financial strain. Before the accident, he was gainfully employed and relied on his earnings to support his lifestyle. The car accident claim includes compensation for these lost wages and the financial hardship caused by his inability to work. Beyond economic damages, Richard suffered emotional and psychological distress. The pain, fear of future disability, and loss of enjoyment in daily activities diminished his overall quality of life. His restricted mobility and ongoing discomfort prevented him from participating in activities he previously enjoyed
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Legal representation
- Plaintiff(s): Richard Strong
- Counsel for Plaintiff: John Jay Pavano
- Defendant(s): Carole Worm
- Counsel for Defendants: Derek Mello, Esq.
Claims
Richard Strong’s personal injury lawsuit asserts that Carole Worm’s actions were negligent and reckless. She failed to follow traffic laws and ignored basic safety precautions. Her failure to stop and yield the right-of-way, combined with her inattentive driving, caused the reckless driving accident. Carole Worm operated her vehicle while distracted, violating laws that prohibit the use of mobile devices while driving. Her excessive speed and failure to observe oncoming traffic led directly to the collision. These violations provide clear grounds for this car accident claim.
The claims for damages include compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and ongoing pain and suffering. Richard Strong seeks fair and just compensation for the financial and emotional toll caused by the defendant’s reckless behavior. The negligence case also seeks double and treble damages under Connecticut General Statutes §14-295 due to the willful and wanton nature of the defendant’s misconduct. Carole Worm’s reckless disregard for the safety of others made her fully responsible for the collision and its consequences.
Defense
Carole Worm, the defendant, denied most of the allegations brought by Richard Strong in his personal injury lawsuit. She admitted to being present at the location and operating her vehicle but contested responsibility for the car accident claim. She claimed she lacked sufficient information to confirm several allegations, leaving the plaintiff to provide proof. Specifically, she denied being negligent, reckless, or careless in her actions and rejected claims that her driving caused Richard Strong’s injuries and damages.
Regarding the negligence case in Count One, Carole Worm denied failing to yield the right-of-way, driving inattentively, or operating her vehicle at an unreasonable speed. She also denied violating traffic laws or contributing to the accident. In Count Two, related to statutory recklessness, she refuted accusations of acting recklessly or using her mobile device while driving. She denied that her alleged recklessness caused Richard Strong’s injuries or entitled him to double or treble damages under Connecticut law.
In Count Three, addressing common law recklessness, Carole Worm denied deliberately or willfully disregarding the safety of others. She rejected the claim that her driving constituted reckless misconduct. In her defense, she maintained that the plaintiff had to substantiate all claims regarding her alleged recklessness and the resulting injuries. Throughout her response, she placed the burden of proof on Richard Strong and denied any wrongdoing or liability in this personal injury lawsuit.
Jury Verdict
On December 4, 2024, the jury found in favor of the plaintiff, Richard Strong, against the defendant, Carole Worm. The jury determined that Carole Worm was 98% liable. They also found Richard Strong to be 2% liable. The total percentage of liability was 100%. The jury awarded $44,050.71 in economic damages and $34,000 in noneconomic damages. After reducing the award by the plaintiff’s percentage of liability, the final compensation for Richard Strong was $43,169.70 in a Reckless driving accident .
Court Documents:
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