Podlaski v. Horner Equipment, Inc. & Driver - $1,220,000

Lynn Podlaski loved her job as a court reporter and had a very successful career. She loved it so much that she also taught stenography and had kept in touch with some her students over the past years. On October 11, 2007, Lynn was traveling on S.R. 70 from Ft. Pierce to Okeechobee. Having a clear path to pass a truck directly in front of her and a right of way to do so, she began to overtake the truck. During the pass, the truck driver failed to observe her vehicle and he attempted to overtake another vehicle in front of him causing the rear of the truck to collide with Ms. Podlaski’s vehicle and spinning her vehicle out of control in the roadway. She came to rest facing south in the opposite lane of travel.

As a result of the impact, Ms. Podlaski suffered a severe injury to her left wrist which required surgery and therapy. Sadly, Ms. Podlaski was unable to regain the use of her left wrist and her doctors have indicated that she will require additional procedures in the future. The permanent damage to Ms. Podlaski’s wrist left her with a significant loss of a very active lifestyle she had previously led, as well as inability to continue in her career as a court reporter. Alpizar Law filed a lawsuit against Horner Equipment, Inc. and their driver, in St. Lucie County. The case was settled shortly before trial for $1,220,000.00.