Margaret Friar vs. Nicole Pusa

Listen to this article

MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT: $145,000

Injuries claimed: Depressed left lateral tibial plateau fracture and 3mm anterior knee joint fracture fragment with moderate joint effusion. She will continue to take blood thinners to avoid further embolism and clotting. Also, she runs a higher risk of spontaneous internal bleeding.

Court: Milwaukee County Circuit Court

Case name: Margaret Friar vs. Nicole Pusa

Case number: 08CV014235

Judge: Hon. Maxine White

Verdict & settlement: Settlement in favor of plaintiff

Plaintiff’s first demand: $150,000

Defendant’s first offer: $130,000

Settlement amount: $145,000

Special damages: Plaintiff’s past medical expenses: $97,575; Plaintiff’s future medical expenses: Use of blood thinners and regular lab work

Date of incident: July 9, 2008

Plaintiffs attorney (firm): Mark S. Young, Habush Habush & Rottier SC

Defendants attorney (firm): Richard Mueller, Mueller Goss & Possi SC

Insurance carrier: State Farm Mutual Insurance Company; liability policy limits: $150,000

Plaintiffs expert witnesses: Dr. M. Ismail Quryshi, physician, Wauwatosa

Plaintiff counsel’s summary of the facts: Friar was a pedestrian walking Eastbound on North Avenue and began crossing the street at a corner crosswalk of N. 103rd Street. At the same time, Pusa attempted to make a right hand turn and struck Friar.

Plaintiff’s negligence theory: 100 percent liable, Pusa failed to yield right of way to a pedestrian in a crosswalk and failed as to proper lookout.

Defendant’s position: Disputed value of damages.