Retired Police Officer Awarded Millions in Personal Injury Suit
A retired police officer has won a $15.7 million jury verdict against the city of Los Angeles for injuries he suffered in a collision with a dump truck in Northridge three years ago, attorneys announced.
Barry Bowman, 62, suffered severe brain damage in the crash at Vanalden and Wilbur avenues in Northridge on Oct. 13, 2004. His attorneys said he was on his way home on a motorcycle from working as a security officer on a movie set when a dump truck collided with Bowman and his bike.
But attorney John DeGomez, who represented the city in the trial, said Bowman collided with the dump truck, driven by Tommy Wyatt.
"Mr. Bowman struck the dump truck," DeGomez contended. "He ran into the wheel well of the dump truck and sustained brain injuries. The dump truck was traveling 2 to 3 miles per hour."
Attorneys also disagreed on whether the city was responsible. Wyatt was contracted by the city but an independent worker, DeGomez said.
Bowman had been a police officer with the Los Angeles Police Department for almost 30 years. His specialty had been flying helicopters; he also was a Vietnam veteran.
The jury awarded him nearly $5 million for past and future medical care and $11 million for pain and emotional distress.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a truck accident in Philadelphia or anywhere in Pennsylvania, please contact the vehicle accident attorneys at Pomerantz Perlberger & Lewis today to schedule your initial consultation.
