Case Background
On May 27, 2021, the morning commute in Cromwell, Connecticut, turned into a life-altering event for Tyson Szewczyk. At around 6:05 a.m., he drove his car eastbound on West Street in the right-hand lane. Just ahead, Jason Jalbert waited in a private parking lot, looking to exit and turn left onto the same road.
As Szewczyk approached, Jalbert suddenly pulled out of the lot. He attempted a left turn without yielding the right of way. In doing so, he drove directly into Szewczyk’s car. The crash left the Plaintiff shaken and injured, and it set the stage for a lawsuit that would take more than three years to resolve.
In February 2023, Szewczyk filed his complaint in Waterbury Superior Court. He alleged that Jalbert’s negligence caused the collision and his resulting injuries. The case went through discovery, pretrial motions, and eventually reached a jury trial in October 2024.
Cause
The case centered on claims of negligence. According to the complaint, Jason Jalbert pulled out of a private driveway on West Street in Cromwell and attempted a left turn across traffic without yielding the right of way. In doing so, he drove directly into the path of Tyson Szewczyk, who was traveling lawfully in the eastbound lane. The Plaintiff argued that Jalbert failed to exercise basic caution, did not maintain proper control of his vehicle, and ignored traffic laws designed to prevent such accidents. The defense did not dispute that a collision occurred but sought to challenge the scope of responsibility and the link between the accident and the Plaintiff’s injuries.
Injury
The crash left Szewczyk with a range of physical and emotional injuries. He was diagnosed with a concussion, persistent headaches, dizziness, and sensitivity to light. His cervical spine suffered multiple disc protrusions, including a C6-C7 disc pressing against the spinal cord, which caused nerve pain, weakness, and tingling in his arms. Doctors also recorded sprains and strains across his neck, back, shoulders, and right leg, all of which limited his mobility and daily function. In addition to the physical harm, he experienced anxiety, irritability, and ongoing distress about his long-term health. His medical team warned that several of these conditions could be permanent, leaving him with lasting pain and reduced quality of life.
Damages
Szewczyk asked the court to award damages covering both economic and noneconomic losses:
Economic damages included medical bills for emergency treatment, imaging, surgery, and therapy, as well as expected future medical needs.
Noneconomic damages sought to address his pain, suffering, mental distress, and the loss of enjoyment of normal life activities.
His complaint argued that the crash left him permanently impaired, both physically and emotionally.
Legal Representation
Plaintiff: Tyson Szewczyk
Counsel for Plaintiff: Anthony J. Masone
Defendant: Jason Jalbert
Counsel for Defendant: Steven J. Barber
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Plaintiff’s Claims
Szewczyk’s attorney, Anthony J. Masone of Carter Mario Law Firm, told jurors that the crash was entirely preventable. Jalbert had one clear duty to wait until the road was safe before making a left turn. Instead, he cut across traffic and caused a collision.
Counsel emphasized the severity of the Plaintiff’s injuries, showing medical records, scans, and testimony from treating doctors. He argued that Szewczyk had lived with daily pain and would continue to face limitations, making him deserving of full compensation.
Defense Arguments
Defense counsel warned jurors not to be swayed by sympathy. He suggested that the Plaintiff’s complaints were overstated and that medical imaging showed degenerative conditions unrelated to the crash. He painted the case as one where the Plaintiff wanted more money than the facts supported.
Jury Verdict
On October 25, 2024, the jury returned its decision. The panel sided with Tyson Szewczyk and awarded damages against Jason Jalbert.
The jury awarded:
Economic damages: $21,650
Noneconomic damages: $150,000
Total damages: $171,650
The verdict reflected the jury’s conclusion that Jalbert’s negligence caused not only medical expenses but also profound and lasting pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.