102717judge-and-gavel

MOTOR VEHICLE

PALM BEACH CIRCUIT COURT

A motorcyclist who claimed he was struck and injured by debris from a truck trailer received a jury award of $209,235.

The motorcyclist, Michael Cirado, 22 at the time of the August 2012 incident, fractured the tibia in his left leg and said he may need knee replacement surgery. Cirado sued the owner of the truck as vicariously liable for the actions of its driver.

The defense admitted some liability for the accident but disputed that Cirado was hit by debris, instead asserting his actions in trying to avoid the debris were partially responsible for the injury. The initial award was reduced by 16 percent based on a finding of comparative negligence.

Case: Ciraolo v. De Pro-Sanjuan

Case No.: 50-2012-CA-018797-XXXX-MB

Plaintiffs attorneys: Trevor Gordon and David Knight, Gordon & Doner, Palm Beach Gardens

Defense attorneys: Thomas A. Berger and Bryan Hill, Boyd & Jenerette, Boca Raton