City of Hanford, California Agrees to Pay $15 Million to Settle a Negligence Claim by a Brain-Injured Boy Represented by the Personal Injury Law Firm of Bisnar Chase
LOS ANGELES--(Business Wire)--
A California court signed a $15 million out-of-court settlement of
a municipality negligence claim against the City of Hanford, Calif.
Jupiter Chan sued Hanford on behalf of his son, Christopher, who
sustained a traumatic brain injury when he was struck by a car while
riding his bicycle. The Chans' allege that Hanford was negligent in
maintaining the roadway and providing appropriate signage. The week
before trial, Hanford settled out of court with Christopher Chan for a
lifetime stream of payments of $15 million. California personal injury
law firm Bisnar Chase represented Christopher Chan in the Superior
Court of California, Kings County, Case Number 06C0206.
On May 31, 2005, 14-year-old Christopher Chan was riding his
bicycle when he was hit by an automobile at the intersection of 11th
Avenue and Pepper Drive. According to court documents, before the
accident Chan was a vibrant, inquisitive and intelligent
eighth-grader. Now he has no short-term memory, has the verbal ability
of a 6-year-old, focuses on simple tasks for only 15 minutes at a time
and needs an attendant to help him with his everyday physical needs.
According to the lawsuit, this intersection was hazardous to
school children crossing to and from school due to its physical
makeup, no effective controls and no signage or crossing guard.
Hanford's records showed the city was aware of these dangerous
conditions but did not correct them.
Hanford settled with Christopher Chan for $15 million paid over
his lifetime to cover his past and future medical expenses, therapy
and round-the-clock care for the rest of his life. The parties were
notified of the signing May 21.
"Such a tragedy, that a traumatic brain injury has robbed
Christopher Chan of a self-sufficient and productive life," said Brian
Chase, partner in Bisnar Chase. "This wouldn't have happened if the
elected officials of Hanford were doing their jobs by ensuring the
public's safety. This case should serve as a warning to other elected
city officials: Do your jobs."
About Bisnar Chase
Bisnar Chase is a California personal injury law firm that
represents people who have been very seriously injured or lost a
family member because of an accident, a defective product or
negligence. They have won a wide variety of challenging personal
injury cases, ranging from auto, construction, pool and on-the-job
accidents, dog attacks, governmental agency negligence to defect
products made by Fortune 500 companies. For more information, visit:
www.bestattorney.com and www.californiainjuryblog.com.
Bisnar Chase
Brian Chase, 949-752-2999
bchase@bisnarchase.com
www.BestAttorney.com
Copyright Business Wire 2008
