In this case, Jim and Arthur Lynch represented the family of a mentally challenged woman who had been struck by a car and killed at an intersection by a driver who fled the scene. The County of Rockland had failed to install a crosswalk at an intersection and signage regarding pedestrian traffic as was part of their traffic plan for the area. The deceased was not working when she died, so there were no economic injuries and the defense position was that she died instantly and had no pain and suffering before she died. The defense argued her loss of life was worth little money and offered $15,000 to settle the case.



Jim, Arthur and her family disagreed. At trial, the Lynch’s used a well-respected forensic pathologist to establish the significant pain she suffered before her death. Further, they used a highway design expert to establish why the failures of the county in their intersection plan and implementation of that plan led likely to her death. The jury agreed and awarded the family, who had spent so much time caring for nurturing their sister and daughter, $1,000,000.