Vocational Diagnostics

D. C. v. Natalie J. Vona Messersmith

October 9, 2024

On March 31, 2021, the Plaintiff was on her way to work, walking to catch the bus. After waiting for the signal to cross, she stepped into the crosswalk. At that moment, Defendant Natalie Messersmith, while making a left turn, failed to notice the Plaintiff. Traveling at approximately 20-25 mph, she struck the Plaintiff in the crosswalk. The impact resulted in severe injuries, including a dislocated ankle and knee, which required four surgeries to repair. She also sustained a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), from which she has yet to fully recover. Despite medical expenses already nearing $600,000, the defendant’s settlement offer at mediation was only $750,000. Aubrey Corwin, M.S., L.P.C., C.R.C., C.L.C.P., and the VDI team were retained by Plaintiff’s counsel at Barrios Wool and Bachus & Schanker to provide a Cost Projection based on the recommended future medical care needs outlined by Plaintiff’s treating physicians and retained medical experts. The case went to trial, where Ms. Corwin testified to the accuracy and necessity of the proposed economic damages. The jury awarded Ms. Cari a total of $7,110,624 for noneconomic and economic losses, as well as physical impairment damages. This was a life-changing victory for the Plaintiff, providing her with the financial support needed for her ongoing recovery. The trial team was incredibly pleased with this outcome, as it reflects the full extent of her suffering and the long-term impact of her injuries.