Butler v. Feliu

Summary

In this damages-only, vehicular collision case, Mitchell Menes was killed in an accident at night in a crash involving defendant driver, whose blood-alcohol level exceeded the legal limit.

Plaintiffs claim that they suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder stemming from their son's death and will grieve his loss for the rest of their lives.

The defense contends that, while the loss is tragic, plaintiffs' son was an adult who had lived independently from his parents for years. And, they claim that evaluations show both parents have improved emotionally over time.

Outcome

Verdict for plaintiff.

Total damages: $9,075,000.
Including $9 million in compensatory damages and $75,000 in punitive damages.