Case Background
On January 9, 2022, at approximately 2:28 a.m., Noah Sawyer drove a motor vehicle eastbound on Boston Avenue in Stratford, Connecticut. Martin Johnson rode as a passenger in Sawyer's vehicle. At the same time and place, Gustave Curcio drove a motor vehicle westbound on Boston Avenue. Curcio operated a vehicle owned by Kern LLC, with the company's full permission and consent.
Cause
According to the complaint, Curcio suddenly and without warning moved his vehicle from the westbound lane into the eastbound lane and collided with the Plaintiffs' vehicle.
Injury
The complaint alleged that Noah Sawyer sustained the following injuries, some or all of which may be permanent in nature: cervical spine injury, thoracic spine injury, lumbar spine injury, headaches, radiculopathy, and associated physical pain and suffering. He also suffered mental anguish, frustration, and anxiety over his injuries, incurred medical expenses, and experienced limitations in his ability to work and to enjoy life's activities.
The complaint alleged that Martin Johnson sustained the following injuries, some or all of which may be permanent in nature: cervical spine injury, thoracic spine injury, lumbar spine injury, radiculopathy, and associated physical pain and suffering. He also suffered mental anguish, frustration, and anxiety, incurred medical expenses, and experienced limitations in his ability to work and to enjoy life's activities.
Damages Sought
The Plaintiffs sought compensatory damages in excess of $15,000, plus such other relief as the Court deemed appropriate.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Legal Representation
Plaintiff(s): Noah Sawyer | Martin Johnson
· Counsel for Plaintiff(s): R.J. Weber, III, Esq.
Defendant(s): Gustave Curcio and Kern LLC
· Counsel for Defendant(s): Patrick M. Mullins
Key Arguments or Remarks by Counsel
Claims
Count One — Noah Sawyer v. Gustave Curcio
Sawyer alleged that Curcio's negligence directly caused the collision and his resulting injuries. He claimed Curcio failed to keep his vehicle under reasonable and proper control; failed to maintain a proper lookout for other vehicles or conditions on the road; failed to apply his brakes in time or sufficiently to avoid the collision; failed to sound his horn or give any warning of the impending crash; failed to turn his vehicle to avoid the collision; failed to take proper precautions; failed to remain awake and alert; operated his vehicle at a speed greater than what was reasonable under the conditions, in violation of both the common law and Connecticut General Statutes Section 14-218a; and failed to operate his vehicle as nearly as practicable within a single lane of travel when it was unsafe to move from that lane, in violation of both the common law and Connecticut General Statutes Section 14-236.
Count Two — Noah Sawyer v. Kern LLC
Sawyer also sued Kern LLC on the ground that it was vicariously liable for Curcio's negligence under Connecticut General Statutes Section 52-183, because Curcio operated the Kern LLC vehicle with the company's full permission and consent.
Count Three — Martin Johnson v. Gustave Curcio
Johnson, who rode as a passenger in Sawyer's vehicle, brought the same negligence claims against Curcio as Sawyer did. He alleged that Curcio's failure to control his vehicle, maintain a proper lookout, remain awake and alert, and stay within his lane of travel directly caused his spinal injuries, radiculopathy, pain and suffering, mental anguish, medical expenses, and occupational limitations.
Count Four — Martin Johnson v. Kern LLC
Johnson also sued Kern LLC, asserting that the company was vicariously liable for Curcio's negligence under Connecticut General Statutes Section 52-183.
Defense
In their Answer filed July 3, 2024, the Defendants admitted only that Curcio operated the vehicle with Kern LLC's full permission and consent. The Defendants denied all allegations of negligence and denied that any negligence on their part caused the Plaintiffs' injuries. For the remaining factual allegations — including those concerning Sawyer's and Johnson's specific injuries, medical expenses, and limitations — the Defendants stated they had insufficient knowledge and left the Plaintiffs to their proof.
The Defendants raised a special defense of contributory negligence against Noah Sawyer, arguing his own negligence was a substantial factor in producing the accident. They contended that Sawyer failed to make reasonable use of his senses and faculties; failed to exercise the care of an ordinarily prudent person for his own safety; failed to keep a proper lookout for the approaching vehicle; failed to yield the right of way to Curcio in violation of Connecticut General Statutes Section 14-245; operated his vehicle in an inattentive manner without a proper lookout; and pulled away from a stop sign when it was not reasonable to do so under the circumstances.
Jury Verdict
The jury returned its verdicts on October 22, 2025. The Honorable John F. Riley of the Connecticut Superior Court, Judicial District of Bridgeport, accepted both verdicts the same day.
Verdict for Noah Sawyer
The jury found in favor of Sawyer against Gustave Curcio and Kern LLC. The jury assigned 100 percent of liability to the Defendants and zero percent to Sawyer, rejecting the contributory negligence defense entirely. The jury awarded Sawyer $17,552.01 in economic damages and $78,000 in noneconomic damages, for a total of $95,552.01. Because the Defendants bore 100 percent of liability, no reduction applied, and Sawyer's final award stood at $95,552.01.
Verdict for Martin Johnson
The jury also found in favor of Johnson against Gustave Curcio and Kern LLC. The jury awarded Johnson $25,368.02 in economic damages and $78,000 in noneconomic damages, for a total award of $103,368.02.
Together, the two Plaintiffs received a combined jury award of $198,920.03 against Gustave Curcio and Kern LLC.
