Verdicts and Settlements

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VERDICT/SETTLEMENT

Abraham Kopun v. Joseph Casey

Facts/Liability:

This is a civil action arising out of a car crash on October 26, 2012 in Kensington, New Hampshire.  That evening, the plaintiff, Abraham Kopun, a fifteen-year old international boarding student from the Czech Republic, was enjoying a bicycle ride in Kensington, New Hampshire. At the intersection of Amesbury and North Road, Mr. Kopunwas struck by Joseph Casey, traveling in a 2003 Dodge pickup truck. Mr. Casey was making a left hand turn from Amesbury Road onto North Road when he struck the plaintiff with his vehicle. Mr. Kopun was then emergentlytransported to a local hospital and subsequently airlifted to a hospital in Boston, Massachusetts.

Representatives of Liberty Mutual argued that Abraham did not have lights on his helmet or bicycle for reflection. Mr. Kopun was found at fault for the collision by the investigating police department for not having a headlight on his bicycle, despite Mr. Casey’s blood draw coming back positive for marijuana.

Injuries:

As a result of this collision, Mr. Kopun was diagnosed with severe laceration of muscles and nerves in his left forearm, a fractured left femur, brachial plexus avulsion, a fractured nose, and a concussion. The plaintiff, Mr. Kopun, has incurred significant medical, hospital, surgical, and therapy expenses. He will incur significant future medical, therapy and other expenses. The plaintiff was unable to return to his private high school to complete the semester due to the severity of his injuries. He endured extended periods of pain, hospitalization and rehabilitation for his injuries. He suffered a significant loss of enjoyment of life. He returned to the Czech Republic for rehabilitation.

Verdict/Settlement:

The parties settled before filing suit for the full policy limits, despite the comparative fault arguments asserted by the insurer.

Plaintiff=s Experts (if any): None

Defense Experts (if any): None

Plaintiff=s Counsel (please include name and firm):

Holly B. Haines

Abramson, Brown & Dugan

1819 Elm Street

Manchester, NH 03104

Defense Counsel (please include name and firm):

Insurance Carrier (if relevant): Liberty Mutual

Date of Injury: 2012

Date of Verdict or Settlement: 2013

Mark Abramson
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