The Captain was dragged with his leg pressed into the asphalt under his motorcycle for more than the distance of a football field before other drivers blocked the Defendant from entering the highway. He was arrested at the scene and charged with Felony Hit and Run.

The plaintiff lost almost 40 percent of his blood during the horrific incident as he suffered near-fatal injuries to his right leg. He would undergo numerous surgeries to save his leg from amputation, but skin and muscle would be removed from other parts of his body to rebuild his disfigured limb. Heading into trial, the Captain would still require many more additional surgeries in the future, and he continues to face the possibility of losing his leg, which must be monitored for the rest of his life.

The defendant claimed to have suffered an epileptic seizure moments before the impact and admitted to having a long history of epileptic “breakthrough” seizures that would trigger without warning, at any time, and with no responsiveness to medications. The defendant’s treating physician later testified that she had instructed the defendant not to drive due to his dangerous and unpredictable medical condition.

SoCal Gas, the employer of the defendant driver, admitted liability but disputed the Captain’s future medical expenses. The defense argued that the Captain and his wife only deserved $9M in total damages.