Recently, I was honored to represent a client who had lost her daughter in a tragic accident. [email protected] assisted me at trial (and no she is not related, family or otherwise, to those of you wondering).
My client’s daughter was a passenger in her friend’s car. The friend began to race another car. The friend lost control of the car and slammed into a tree, splitting the car in three pieces. My client’s daughter died.
The mother hired my Firm to sue the father of the friend who was driving because the father allowed his son to drive to drive his car even though he was unlicensed. Before the incident, the son had even received a ticket for driving without a license. The father did not want to take any responsibility even though he was fully aware of the risks at hand.
We presented all our evidence and the Court agreed with my client-the father was responsible. The Judge, in open court, told the father he was wrong and that he should be ashamed for his lack of judgment. He demanded that the father accept his responsibility for the unfortunate loss of a life.
Despite receiving a multi-million dollar judgment, my client was most pleased with the words that the Judge actually spoke to the father. From the beginning, her goal was for the father to understand and accept that he did wrong. We accomplished that goal.
After the trial, she wrote me a letter that I will forever keep and treasure. My client stated:
“Thank you. Insufficient as it may sound, there are no words that can fully express how much I appreciate the time, hard work and dedication you put into this case. In my wildest dreams, I could never have imagined a better ending to this horrible saga. I woke-up yesterday with a sense of energy and optimism I haven’t felt since November 19, 2006. I honestly did not think I would ever feel good again.
When the Judge spent so much time talking to the father, I was completely blown away. As you know, my only goal was to have the father willingly admit he made a huge error in judgment; an error that resulted in the irreparable damage to and upheaval in so many lives; and then face the consequences of his actions. When he wouldn’t do it willing, we had no choice but take it before a Judge. You made sure that happened.
“From the bottom of my heart, and on behalf of my daughter, thank you.Thank you not only for the outcome, but for your dedication, professionalism, empathy and kindness throughout the entire time of this case. My daughter deserved the very best representation, and you provided it. For that alone, I am eternally grateful.”