The attorneys at Rourke & Blumenthal recently secured a $20.8 million verdict for Ellie Handa, a 17-year-old who was left paralyzed after a drunk driving crash caused by Lucas Nelson in 2021. Both parties were underage at the time and had been served alcohol at Big Bar near the Ohio State campus area. Nelson's reckless driving led to a high-speed collision that rendered Ellie a quadriplegic. Attorneys Michael Rourke and Jonathan Stoudt represented Ellie through three years of litigation and trial. After a nine-day trial, the jury found Nelson 65% at fault, Big Bar 25%, and Ellie 10%. This case highlights the importance of accountability in preventing such tragedies.
Testimony in the case established that on the night of the crash, Ellie and her friends had gone to Big Bar, a well-known spot for underage patrons from her high school. While there they met Defendant Nelson, who had graduated from the same high school a class ahead of Ellie. Nelson testified that he was a regular patron at the bar and was able to gain entry without having to show ID. He also said that he had never carded the night in question when he purchased an entire bottle of vodka for himself and those in his group. After meeting Ellie and her friends, Nelson invited them to an off-campus party and offered to drive. After the group got in, Nelson proceeded to drive fast and recklessly, despite Ellie and her friends’ repeated pleas to slow down. Data obtained from Nelson's car showed he accelerated from 8 mph to 59 mph in the seconds before crashing into another vehicle on Frambes Avenue. Ellie sustained catastrophic injuries, and emergency surgery could not prevent permanent spinal cord damage that tragically led to quadriplegia.
Seeking Justice and Accountability
During the course of the trial, Big Bar agreed to an out-of-court settlement, and the jury ultimately found Nelson and the bar responsible for the crash. This verdict emphasizes the legal and moral obligations businesses and individuals have in preventing underage drinking and reckless driving.
Despite the life-altering injuries, Ellie has shown incredible strength and resilience. While she remains paralyzed, her determination has led to significant rehabilitation progress, and she can now operate her wheelchair and has regained some hand functions. She is currently taking college courses and is on track to obtain her degree next year.
How We Can Help
Our personal injury firm is proud to have fought for justice on Ellie's behalf, proving the critical role of experienced legal representation in achieving meaningful outcomes for victims of negligence.
If you or a loved one has suffered due to an accident involving reckless or impaired driving, contact our Columbus injury attorneys at Rourke & Blumenthal LLP. We are dedicated to ensuring that victims of such incidents receive the compensation and justice they deserve.