Katherine Waldo and Robert Waldo v. Timothy Goulet and Able Mechanical Inc.

Case Name

Katherine Waldo and Robert Waldo v. Timothy Goulet and Able Mechanical Inc.

Type of Injury

HERNIATED DISCS

Occupation

Cardiothoracic Nurse

Location

Bergan County, New Jersey

Verdict

The parties settled for $4,775,000, prior to trial, which was scheduled for March 4. Able Mechanical Inc. had a primary insurance policy of $1 million and an excess policy of $5 million.

Verdict Amount

$4,775,000

Case Details



On Aug. 9, 2012, plaintiff Katherine Waldo, 41, a cardiothoracic nurse, was driving a Toyota Highlander in stop-and-go traffic on Route 4 west, in Paramus. She was heading toward the intersection with Route 17, when the rear of her sport utility vehicle was rear-ended by a van driven by Timothy Goulet. Goulet was driving in the course of his employment with Able Mechanical Inc., a New Jersey-based commercial heating and cooling contractor.

The impact forced Waldo’s SUV into the rear of the car in front of her, resulting in about $24,000 in property damage. She claimed she suffered injuries to her spine.

Waldo sued Goulet, alleging he was negligent in the operation of a vehicle. She also sued Able Mechanical Inc., alleging the company was vicariously liable for its employee’s actions.

Goulet and Able Mechanical stipulated to negligence, and the case went through litigation on issues of causation and damages.