Castellano vs. Budget Rent-A-Car Systems, Inc., Jerry Ken Mock & Amica Mutual Insurance Company

Automobile Negligence Case: Palm Beach County Circuit Court. Aggravated liability case involving a driver of a Budget Rent-A-Car who had a .32 blood alcohol level and was in prison because of the accident at the time of trial. We represented the driver. The Plaintiff, Joseph Castellano sustained significant injuries including a blowout fracture of the orbit of the right eye, double vision, broken nose, torn medial collateral ligament, torn meniscus, transverse process fracture, neck sprain, ankle sprain, hearing loss, TMJ syndrome and a significant claim for loss of earning capacity. Mr. Castellano had submitted to three surgeries as of the time of trial and four additional surgeries were recommended. Additionally, Patricia Castellano had a claim for a broken tooth and post traumatic stress disorder. The jury found the co-defendant 20% at fault and awarded the Plaintiff, Joseph Castellano total damages of $611,000 and concluded that Mrs. Castellano did not sustain a permanent injury. A $750,000 offer had been made prior to the jury verdict. The Plaintiff demanded $3.5 million dollars.