Miguel A. Valverde v. Michael Carozza Jr., Thomas F. Corbett Associates, Idowu Daramola and Armani Corp. LLC

Miguel A. Valverde v. Michael Carozza Jr., Thomas F. Corbett Associates, Idowu Daramola and Armani Corp. LLC

CONCUSSION AND DISC HERNIATIONS

Truck Driver

Hudson County, NJ

A week prior to trial, the parties agreed to a $1,425,000 settlement. The settlement was paid from Thomas F. Corbett Associates’ $1 million primary policy with Liberty Mutual Insurance Co. and it’s $10 million excess policy with American International Group Inc.

$1,425,000

On Oct. 22, 2012, plaintiff Miguel Valverde, 46, a truck driver, was driving a bakery delivery truck west on Route 495 in Weehawken. As he entered an exit ramp on the right side of the road, he was rear-ended by a construction truck. Valverde then stuck the rear of a commuter van in front of him before hitting a guard rail on the right side of the highway. Valverde claimed injuries to his head, neck, and low back.

Valverde sued the driver of the construction truck, Michael Carozza Jr., alleging he was negligent. He also sued Carozza’s employer, Thomas F. Corbett Associates, under a theory of vicarious liability.

(The driver of the commuter van, Idowu Daramola, and vehicle owner Armani Corp. LLC were initially named as defendants but were discontinued from suit in 2015.)

Carozza and Thomas F. Corbett Associates disputed liability. They argued that Valverde rear-ended the commuter van, which led to the rear-ender by the construction vehicle.