• Abstract and Figures
• Public Full-text

Florida MOTOR VEHICLE SUV — Wrongful Death — Alcohol Involvement-Defendant Woman killed in broadside by alleged drunken driver SETTLEMENT $350,000.00 Leyritz for wrongful death. CASE John A. Veitch as personal Defense counsel stated that there were witnesses representative of the estate who observed that Leyritz had a green light during the of Fredia Ann Veitch v. James J. accident. At the criminal trial, Leyritz plans to contest the Leyritz, No. 062008CA012674AXXX blood alcohol results, stating he was not intoxicated at the time of the accident. Defense counsel also maintained COURT Broward County Circuit Court, 17th, FL that there’s evidence that Veitch was intoxicated with a JUDGE John J. Murphy, III blood alcohol level of 0.18. DATE 5/26/2010 Plaintiff’s counsel countered that a passenger in Leyritz’s vehicle stated that Leyritz disregarded the light. PLAINTIFF The passenger stated that he exclaimed, “Whoa,” as ATTORNEY(S) Samuel A. Coffey, Esq., Leyritz drove through the light. Sunrise, FL INJURIES/DAMAGES death Veitch was ejected from her vehicle and pronounced DEFENSE dead at Broward General Medical Center. She was ATTORNEY(S) Jeffrey M. Ostrow, The Hodkin survived by her husband, her daughter Kayla who is now Kopelowitz Ostrow Firm, P.A., Ft. 15 and her son, Julian, who is now 7. Lauderdale, FL ; John H. Richards, Boyd, Richards, Parker & Colonnelli Defense counsel stated that Veitch was not wearing a (Progressive), Fort Lauderdale, FL seat belt at the time of the accident. RESULT The parties reached a $350,000 settlement. No FACTS & ALLEGATIONS On Dec. 8, 2007, plaintiff’s admission of liability was included in the settlement. The decedent Fredia Ann Veitch, 30, a waitress, was driving defendant’s insurance company will pay $250,000. her sport utility vehicle at around 3:30 a.m. in the Leyritz will pay $100,000 which will be paid in $1,000 entertainment district in Fort Lauderdale. She was monthly installments. The major- ity of the money will heading west in an intersection when an SUV driven by go into a trust for Veitch’s children. In the event of a Jim Leyritz, who was heading north, disregarded a red default ,Leyritz has stipulated to the Veitch family that light and broadsided her. Her SUV rolled over, Veitch they would be entitled to punitive damages and interest was ejected and she was killed. at 11 percent plus attorney fees and costs. Financial discovery revealed that Leyritz had no collectible assets, Leyritz was arrested for manslaughter while driving but an exempt Major League Baseball pension exists. under the influence. According to the police, Leyritz’s blood alcohol level was first recorded at 0.13 and then INSURER(S) Progessive James J. Leyritz recorded at 0.14. The legal limit in Florida is .08. The police also stated that Leyritz had exhibited signs of EDITOR’S NOTE This report is based on drunkenness including failing a roadside sobriety test and information provided by having watery and bloodshot eyes. Leyritz’s criminal plaintiff’s and defense counsel. trial is scheduled for July 2010. Leyritz is a former Major –Stephen DiPerte League Baseball player, best known for his play in helping the New York Yankees win two World Series. Veitch’s estate, represented by her family, sued .

Load more

  1

Copy Link