Trial News

Tyler Kreilter was traveling on a two-lane rural roadway in his father’s vehicle. Kreilter crossed the center line and collided with an ambulance. Carolyn Manes, 79, who was being transported from a hospital to a nursing home, suffered a brain injury in the crash and died a few days later. She is survived by her husband and three adult children. Michael Falecki, a 24-year-old EMT, suffered a torn left meniscus and a torn labrum in his left shoulder. He required surgery and physical therapy and was out of work for one year. He no longer works as an EMT due to mobility issues and limitations. Brook Atkinson, the paramedic who was driving the ambulance, suffered a fractured toe and torn meniscus in her left knee, and had to wear a boot on her foot for six weeks. She has been diagnosed as having post-traumatic stress disorder and suffers flashbacks from the incident.

Manes’s estate, Atkinson, and Falecki sued Kreilter’s father and the ambulance’s underinsured motorist carrier, alleging liability for Kreilter’s failure to maintain his lane. Suit did not claim medical expenses or lost income.

The jury awarded more than $1.45 million, including $750,000 to the estate; $425,000 to Falecki; and $280,000 to Atkinson.

Citation: Manes v. Kreilter, Nos. 17-001901-NI, 17-002182-NO, 17-003103-NI (Mich. Cir. Ct. St. Clair Cnty. Apr. 19, 2019).

Plaintiff counsel: Nicole Winston and Francesco Partipilo, both of Port Huron, Mich.; and James Harrington IV, Southfield, Mich.