Just days before their 47th wedding anniversary, a Mississippi couple’s lives were forever changed when a speeding utility truck crossed into their lane and caused a devastating head-on collision. Following extensive litigation, expert investigation, and emotional mediation proceedings, Flattmann Law helped recover the maximum amount permitted under Mississippi law for the grieving family.
Two days before their 47th wedding anniversary, Paul and his wife, Susan, were driving home
from church along a rural Mississippi highway. At the same time, an employee of a utility
company was speeding down the roadway in a large bucket truck while traveling between jobs.
As traffic slowed ahead of him, the utility truck driver failed to notice a vehicle waiting to turn
until the last moment. In an attempt to avoid striking that vehicle, the driver swerved into
oncoming traffic directly into the path of Paul and Susan’s vehicle.
The utility truck crashed head-on into their car with devastating force, driving the vehicle into a
ditch.
Susan was killed instantly.
Paul was knocked unconscious during the collision and later awoke to discover that his wife had
died in the crash.
After being contacted by the family, Flattmann Law partnered with local Mississippi counsel and
immediately began an extensive investigation into the crash. The legal team subpoenaed the
utility driver’s phone records, collected and analyzed electronic “black box” data from the
vehicles involved, and investigated the driver’s prior driving history.
A lawsuit was filed in federal court in Mississippi, and the parties engaged in substantial
discovery throughout the litigation process. Flattmann Law worked closely with experts in
accident reconstruction, neurology, and neuropsychology to fully analyze the collision and
document the devastating impact the crash had on Paul and his family.
As trial approached, the defendants requested mediation in an effort to resolve the case.
During mediation, Flattmann Law prepared and presented a powerful presentation focused not
only on the legal and financial damages suffered by the family, but also on honoring Susan’s life
and the enormous loss experienced by her husband and children. The presentation included
photographs and memories of Susan with her family, allowing the defendants and insurance
representatives to see the deeply personal human impact of the tragedy.
Under Mississippi law, non-economic damages in wrongful death cases were capped at
$1,000,000. After a full-day mediation, the defendants agreed to pay the maximum amount
available under Mississippi law to resolve the family’s claims.
Even after the settlement was reached, substantial legal work remained. Flattmann Law
continued assisting the family by handling probate court approval proceedings and resolving
Medicare and private health insurance reimbursement claims connected to the settlement funds.
Disclaimer:
Results vary by case and situation, and that while the stories are all 100% true, the names have been changed out of respect for our clients.
When you ask for Grady, you get Grady. At Flattmann Law, we make sure that your consultations and cases are not assigned to a junior associate. Grady will personally be on the phone with you or meet you in person to discuss your individual situation. We will represent you not only as your attorney, but also as your neighbor.
Our legal library is full of articles on a variety of topics related to personal injury claims in Louisiana. Learn about how accidents happen, what to do when you are a victim, and how an attorney can help you fight for the compensation you may deserve.
