Rear-End Collision Negligence Lawsuit
Plaintiffs Valerie and Pernica Richardson filed a negligence lawsuit against Defendant James J. Celentano in the Superior Court, Judicial District of New Haven. The case arose from a rear-end collision that occurred on July 8, 2022, at the intersection of Townsend Avenue and Forbes Avenue in New Haven, Connecticut. At the time of the incident, Valerie was driving with Pernica as her passenger.
Incident and Alleged Cause
Valerie stopped at a red light when Defendant Celentano, who was traveling directly behind her, struck her vehicle from the rear. Plaintiffs argued that Celentano followed too closely, failed to brake in time, and drove at an unreasonable speed. They claimed he did not maintain control or keep a proper lookout, which led to the collision.
Nature and Extent of Injuries
Both Plaintiffs sustained multiple soft tissue injuries. Valerie suffered thoracic and lumbar strains, shoulder pain, muscle spasms, and anxiety. Pernica experienced similar spinal injuries and muscle spasms. Both reported fatigue, sleeplessness, and post-traumatic headaches that disrupted their daily lives and required ongoing treatment. Emotional distress and anxiety were also documented.
Damages Sought by Plaintiffs
Each Plaintiff claimed damages exceeding $15,000, excluding interest and court costs. The claims included compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional hardship, and future treatment costs. Plaintiffs asserted that Defendant’s negligence directly caused all losses.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Legal representation
Plaintiff: Valerie Richardson
Counsel for Plaintiff: Nicholas R. Nesi | Michael P. D’Amico
Expert Witness for the Plaintiff: Kenneth Donahue | Virginia McKenna | Eric Katz
Defendant: James J. Celentano
Counsel for Defendant: Mary Ann McCluskey
Claims Against Defendant
Plaintiffs accused Defendant Celentano of motor vehicle negligence. Valerie alleged that Celentano followed her car too closely, failed to stop at a red light, and drove at an unreasonable speed. She argued that these actions caused multiple physical injuries, emotional trauma, and the need for ongoing medical care. The complaint sought compensatory damages for pain, suffering, medical costs, and anticipated future treatment.
Defense Position
Defendant Celentano admitted that the rear-end collision occurred but denied liability for the Plaintiffs’ injuries. He argued that he was not negligent and challenged the connection between the accident and the claimed injuries. Celentano admitted he failed to maintain control but denied other allegations, such as excessive speed and following too closely. He maintained that Plaintiffs’ injuries were unsubstantiated and required proof, and he contested claims of recklessness or gross negligence.
Jury Verdict
On February 20, 2025, the jury ruled in favor of Plaintiff Valerie Richardson. Jurors found that Defendant’s negligence was a proximate cause of her injuries and losses. After reviewing the evidence and testimony, the jury awarded $688,848.57 in total damages. This included $388,848.57 in economic damages for medical expenses and lost earning capacity and $300,000.00 in non-economic damages for pain, suffering, and diminished quality of life. However, the jury found no evidence of reckless conduct and did not award double or triple damages.
