Injury settlements are an essential aspect of the legal system, providing victims with the financial compensation they need to recover from accidents, medical malpractice, and other personal injury cases. Over the years, Texas has seen its fair share of substantial injury settlements, with many individuals receiving millions of dollars in compensation.
In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the biggest injury settlements in Texas, providing insight into the types of cases that can result in such large awards.
1. Amber Anderson: $27.5 Million Settlement for Medical Malpractice
In 2013, Amber Anderson, a 25-year-old woman, was awarded a $27.5 million settlement after she suffered severe brain damage due to medical malpractice. Anderson had undergone surgery to remove a benign tumor from her pituitary gland, but complications arose when her surgeon, Dr. Victor Kareh, failed to recognize and address a postoperative bleed that caused her brain damage. The hospital and surgeon were deemed liable for Anderson’s injuries, and the settlement remains one of the largest medical malpractice awards in Texas history.
2. Francisco Herrera: $42 Million Settlement for Workplace Injury
Francisco Herrera, a construction worker, received a $42 million settlement in 2016 after a workplace accident left him paralyzed from the waist down. Herrera was working on a construction site in Houston when a steel beam fell and struck him, severing his spine. The lawsuit claimed that his employer, Gilbane Building Company, and the beam’s manufacturer, Cives Steel Company, were responsible for his injuries due to negligence in their safety protocols. The settlement is one of the largest workplace injury awards in Texas history.
3. Estate of Robert Middleton: $150 Billion Settlement for Wrongful Death
In 2011, the estate of Robert Middleton, an eight-year-old boy who was tragically set on fire by a neighbor in 1998, was awarded $150 billion in a wrongful death lawsuit. The lawsuit was filed against the assailant, Don Willburn Collins, who was 13 years old at the time of the attack. Though the settlement amount is astronomical, it was largely symbolic, as it was unlikely that Collins would ever be able to pay such a sum. However, the case is noteworthy for its sheer magnitude and the strong statement it made against child abuse.
4. Anderson Family: $89 Million Settlement for Truck Accident
In 2015, the Anderson family received an $89 million settlement after their vehicle was struck by an 18-wheeler truck, resulting in the deaths of three family members and severe injuries to the remaining two. The lawsuit claimed that the truck driver was negligent and that the trucking company was responsible for its driver’s actions. The settlement remains one of the largest in Texas history for a trucking accident case.
5. David Fitzgerald: $23.5 Million Settlement for Medical Malpractice
In 2012, David Fitzgerald received a $23.5 million settlement in a medical malpractice case against the doctors and hospital that treated him for a stroke. Fitzgerald claimed that the doctors failed to diagnose his stroke in a timely manner, leading to permanent brain damage and disability. The case is one of the largest medical malpractice settlements in Texas history.
Conclusion
These cases represent some of the biggest injury settlements in Texas, highlighting the significant impact that personal injury cases can have on the lives of victims and their families. These settlements not only provide financial compensation to help victims recover from their injuries, but they also serve as a reminder of the importance of safety and accountability in various aspects of our lives, from medical care to workplace safety.
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury due to the negligence of another person or entity, it is crucial to seek legal representation from an experienced personal injury attorney. With the right legal team behind you, you may be able to secure a substantial settlement to help you rebuild your life after a devastating injury.
