Court of Claims Approves Highway Patrol Crash Settlement for $235,000
The Ohio State Highway Patrol settled a crash lawsuit for $235,000 with two Dayton-area brothers.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol settled a crash lawsuit for $235,000 with two Dayton-area brothers.
Daniel J. Hardin, et al. v. Ohio State Highway Patrol
Two Dayton-area brothers settled their case for $235,000 with the Ohio State Highway Patrol after a Highway Patrol trooper, who was driving nearly 100 mph without his overhead lights or sirens activated, crashed into their car in 2013. The Court of Claims of Ohio approved the settlement on July 8.
According to the May 29, 2014 complaint, Daniel J. Hardin was westbound on U.S. 35 at 1:15 a.m. on April 2, 2013 attempting to turn left onto Shakertown Road in Greene County. Patrolman Paul B. Coates, who was traveling eastbound on U.S. 35, struck Daniel’s car. Daniel’s brother, John M. Hardin, was a passenger.
John incurred medical expenses in excess of $50,000 and Daniel incurred more than $34,000, according to the complaint. John’s injuries included a laceration of the spleen, mandible fracture, neck and back injuries while Daniel’s injuries included lacerations to the scalp, a cervical spine fracture, and a frontal skull fracture.
The complaint notes that the Hardin brothers will incur future medical bills, wage loss, and future diminished earning capacity.
In addition, the complaint cites the failure by the Highway Patrol and Coates “to warn the public with appropriate emergency warning equipment” and “acting with heedless and conscious disregard to the rights of others.”
The Court of Claims is given original jurisdiction to hear and determine all civil actions filed against the State of Ohio and its agencies.
To access information on other cases visit the Court of Claims website.
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