Rear-ender results in child’s paralysis in auto accident

The family of Arnaldo Febus was awarded $19.3 million from State Farm Auto Insurance after becoming paralyzed due to a auto accident.

In July of 2007, Arnaldo Febus, 4, was traveling in the backseat of a car when the vehicle was rear-ended by a sport utility vehicle, which was driven by Steve Popovich and was owned by Valerie Popvich.

Arnaldo's parents sued the Popoviches' insurer State Farm Insurance alleging that the driver was negligent in operation of his vehicle and the owner was liable for the driver's action. The defendants admitted liability.

Arnaldo was taken by helicopter to a nearby medical center and was diagnosed with a contusion to the spinal cord. Arnaldo remained in the hospital for about a month until he went to a rehabilitation facility for another four weeks before returning home.

The child has no use of his legs and is confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life. He is incontinent and requires the use of a catheter. He will also need assistance for many daily-life activities such as dressing.

Arnaldo will need continued monitoring, including MRIs and follow-ups with an urologist. The plaintiffs contended that Arnaldo is developing scoliosis and will need a life care plan between $7 million and $9 million. The life care estimation includes medical care and attendant care costs. Currently, Arnaldo receives 24-hours care from his mother, who had to quit her job to care for her son.

The jury awarded the plaintiff's a total of $19.3 million for Arnaldo's total damages and for Arnaldo's mother's loss of earnings.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an automobile accident or are in need of pursuing a automobile negligence claim and/or a no-fault claim, please contact our car accident attorney Brian McKenna at (313) 496-9416 or fill out the free case evaluation form on the right side of the page.