A Crash on Route 15 Sparks Legal Action
On December 10, 2021, Phoebe Griffith drove northbound on Route 15 in Norwalk, Connecticut. She came to a stop near Exit 38 due to traffic. At that moment, Emily Rosso, operating a vehicle behind her, rear-ended Phoebe’s car. Emily was driving with the permission of Adrian Rosso. The collision prompted a personal injury lawsuit filed in Bridgeport Superior Court.
Negligence Alleged Behind the Wheel
According to the complaint, Emily Rosso failed to operate her vehicle with care. Phoebe claimed that Emily did not keep a proper lookout and drove too fast for the conditions, violating Connecticut General Statutes §14-218(a). She also allegedly followed too closely, in violation of §14-240, and failed to brake or steer away in time to avoid the crash. These actions, the lawsuit argued, directly caused the rear-end collision and its consequences.
Injuries with Lasting Consequences
Phoebe sustained serious physical injuries from the crash. Diagnosed conditions included neck and lumbar sprains, a right paracentral disc herniation at L1-2, disc bulging at L3-4, and a central disc herniation at L4-5. These injuries caused nervous system shock and chronic pain. Her ability to perform and enjoy daily activities decreased significantly. The complaint described her injuries as permanent and life-altering.
Medical Costs and Ongoing Impact
Phoebe faced substantial medical bills. She required treatment, therapy, and medications. The complaint stated she might need future medical care. In addition to financial strain, she experienced emotional distress and a loss of life enjoyment. Her legal team estimated damages would exceed $15,000, excluding interest and costs.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Legal Representation
Plaintiff: Phoebe Griffith
Counsel for Plaintiff: Douglas P. Mahoney
Defendants: Emily Rosso | Adrian Rosso
Counsel for Defendants: Sarah E. Keller
Claim of Negligence Filed in Court
Phoebe Griffith brought a negligence claim against Emily Rosso. She cited multiple traffic violations and unsafe driving as the basis for liability. The case was scheduled for return on May 2, 2023, in the Superior Court at Bridgeport.
Defense
The Defendants, Emily Rosso and Adrian Rosso, admitted the basic facts of the case, including the identity of the parties and the occurrence of a motor vehicle collision on December 10, 2021, as stated in Paragraphs 1 and 2 of the Complaint. They acknowledged that the crash took place while Emily Rosso was operating the vehicle, but they did not admit to any resulting injuries or damages claimed by the Plaintiff, Phoebe Griffith.
In response to the remaining allegations, the Defendants stated they lacked sufficient knowledge to confirm or deny the extent of the Plaintiff’s injuries, medical conditions, or damages. They therefore left the Plaintiff to her burden of proof. While they admitted that Emily Rosso failed to maintain control of her vehicle, they denied the other allegations of negligence, including failure to brake or take evasive action.
Jury Verdict
On January 16, 2025, in Case of Phoebe Griffith v. Emily Rosso et al., the jury returned a verdict in favor of the Plaintiff, Phoebe Griffith. The jury awarded her $216,380 in total damages, including $111,380 for past medical bills, $105,000 for future medical expenses, and $100,000 in noneconomic damages for pain and suffering. The verdict was signed by jury foreperson Loraynra Russo and was officially accepted by the Honorable Judge Charles Reed on the same day.
