Trial Magazine

Christopher Ciampa was driving his motorcycle in the left lane of a roadway with three lanes heading in one direction. Before turning left from a parking lot onto the roadway, Briana Durham stopped her pickup truck. Jesus Landaverde, the driver of a tractor trailer that was stopped in the middle lane, allegedly made eye contact with Durham and waved to signal that it was safe for her to proceed out of the parking lot. Durham accelerated her vehicle and collided with Ciampa.

Ciampa suffered fractures, a torn Achilles tendon, and arterial injuries to his left leg. Despite multiple surgeries, he later required amputation of the left leg. He sued Durham, alleging negligence.

The jury awarded $12.82 million, including $500,000 for past medical expenses. Interest raised the award to more than $19.88 million.

Citation: Ciampa v. Durham, No. 1981CV03013 (Mass. Super. Ct. Middlesex Cnty. May 17, 2024).

Plaintiff counsel: Garett D. Lee, Boston.