LOS ANGELES, Dec. 26, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- In the largest personal injury verdict ever in Chatsworth, a jury has unanimously awarded a retired LAPD police officer $15.7 million for injuries he suffered when he was struck by a dump truck operated under contract with the City of Los Angeles. The jury's decision last Thursday came after almost three weeks of trial testimony.
The accident occurred Oct. 13, 2004, when Barry Bowman, a retired police officer, was on his way home from working as a security officer on a movie set. A dump truck entered the roadway from a side road, hitting Mr. Bowman, dragging him several feet and causing severe injuries, including a brain injury. The truck, which was operating under contract to the City of Los Angeles, was driven by Tommy Wyatt.
"We're very happy for Barry," said his co-counsel, Michael Alder and Robert Tourtelot. "The City engaged in a three-year war of attrition, denying any responsibility for this accident. Its representatives never offered more than $50,000 to settle the claim and thereby forced this case to trial. Despite 12 jurors telling the City it was wrong, the City Attorney still refuses to accept responsibility for the clear liability of the City's driver."
Mr. Bowman retired from the Los Angeles Police Department after a distinguished career flying police helicopters for almost three decades. He also was a decorated Vietnam veteran, earning two Bronze Stars. The jury awarded him nearly $4.7 million for past and future medical care and lost income and $11 million dollars for pain, suffering and emotional distress.
Mr. Bowman was represented by Michael Alder of AlderLaw of Beverly Hills, 310-275-9131, www.alderlaw.com and Robert Tourtelot of Tourtelot and Butler of Los Angeles, 310-575-5600, www.tb4law.com.
Mr. Wyatt was represented by Tom Sanford of Sanford and Associates, and the City of Los Angeles was represented by John DeGomez of The Law Offices of John DeGomez.
A video synopsis of Mr. Bowman's case is available for use by the media at cmalder@alderlaw.com.