Significant Cases
PERSONAL INJURY
$4.27 MILLION – ELECTROCUTION CASE-PERSONAL INJURY/WORKER’S COMPENSATION
A worker lowering a ladder was electrocuted and suffered severe burns and amputations as a result of improperly mounted high voltage wires. Permanent injuries prevented the 29 year old man from ever returning to work as a roofer. Attorney Sabra obtained a settlement for the worker with a present value of $3.15 million. Attorney Sabra also negotiated a settlement of his worker’s compensation claim with a guaranteed benefit of $1,121,925.00 and an estimated life time benefit of $2,250,475.00. For more read: Worker’s Comp Settlement, Second Chance Article
$3 MILLION – JUDGMENT AGAINST BAR/RESTAURANT
A 26 year old woman injured in a motor vehicle accident with a drunk driver. Multiple injuries including fractured nose, hip dislocation, shattered pelvis, fractured ankle, and internal bruising. Medical bills of approximately $190,000.00 and lost wages of $15,000.00. Plaintiff returned to work in six months. Claim brought against the motor vehicle operator as well as the liquor liability defendant. Liquor liability corporate defendant defaulted. Case proceeded on a Motion to Assess Damages. Judgment of $3,000,000 entered against corporate defendant.
$854,000 – RHODE ISLAND-PERSONAL INJURY/WORKER’S COMPENSATION/PRODUCT LIABILITY
A worker sustained a severe crushing injury to his right dominant hand while operating a press machine during the course of his employment. Attorney Aspden obtained a settlement against the manufacturer of the machine in the amount of $490,000 and then settled the worker’s compensation claim for $364,000.
$850,000 – MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT- PERSONAL INJURY/WORKER’S COMPENSATION
A tanker truck driver was involved in a motor vehicle accident as a result of the negligence of another driver on Route 24. Attorney Sabra obtained permanent and total disability benefits for the injured worker and eventually settled the worker’s compensation case for a present value of $750,000. In addition, Attorney Sabra pursued a case against the negligent driver and obtained a policy limit offer of $100,000. A petition was filed in the Bristol County Superior Court for approval of the settlement. Attorney Sabra was successful in pursuading the judge to approve the settlement with no money going to the worker’s compensation insurance carrier to satisfy their lien.
$550,000 – WRONGFUL DEATH MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT – NON ECONOMIC DAMAGES
A 68 year old grandmother was killed on Route 195 when her car was struck by another car merging onto the highway causing it to roll over with two grandchildren in the back seat. Case settled for $550,000.
$550,000 – AGGRAVATION OF PRE-EXISTING NECK INJURY
58 year old woman involved in motor vehicle accident sustained an aggravation of an extensive preexisting condition in her neck requiring surgery. The claim settled with the at-fault party’s insurance company for the policy limit of $100,000.00. Attorney Sabra then presented a claim pursuant to the client’s underinsured automobile policy. The underinsured claim was settled for $450,000.00 two (2) days before the arbitration hearing was scheduled to begin.
$500,000 – PRODUCTS LIABILITY/AUTO MANUFACTURER
A 35 year old man was killed and his wife and 2 young children were injured in a single car accident. Suit was filed against the auto manufacturer alleging a defective reclining seat gear mechanism caused the driver’s seat to fall back resulting in the loss of control by the decedent operator. Attorney Aspden successfully negotiated a settlement of $500,000.
$503,821 – RHODE ISLAND STATION NIGHT CLUB FIRE
The client was the divorced father of the victim. The mother of the victim took control of the case to the exclusion of our client and stated that she would not allow any money to be paid to our client, the divorced father. Attorney Sabra filed court action in the Bristol County Probate Court to prevent the mother from taking all the money for herself. The matter was eventually resolved between all the parties and our client received an equal portion of the settlement.
$500,000 – DUMPSTER ROLLS OFF LOADING DOCK CRUSHING MAN’S LEG
Client was injured when a small dumpster on wheels located on a loading dock rolled off its platform landing on the client’s left leg. The primary defendant was uninsured and out of business. Attorney Sabra pursued the case against the property owner and the owner of the dumpster and the matter was eventually settled after court action was filed for $500,000.
$475,000 – WORK-RELATED DEATH: WIFE’S CLAIM WHEN HUSBAND DIES AT WORK DESPITE DIVORCE FILING
A 55 year old man was killed while using a lift which crushed him against an overhang. The widow was receiving work related death benefits. The matter was referred to Attorney Sabra after another attorney told the client that there was no third party claim. Attorney Sabra pursued a case against the manufacturer of the machinery. The case was recently settled after litigation in the Federal Court.
$440,000 – CITY POLICE OFFICER FALLS 12 FEET
A city police officer was on a commercial building in an attempt to apprehend a suspect. The officer was descending a ladder when a rung came loose causing the police officer to fall approximately 12 feet to the roof below. The officer sustained a comminuted tibia and fibular fracture of the right leg. Suit was filed against the tenant and the building owner for failure to inspect and maintain the ladder. Attorney Sabra successfully settled the case at mediation approximately one month before trial for $440,000. The lien from the city employer for benefits paid pursuant to G.L. c. 41, Sec. 111F and the interest of the city retirement board were resolved at mediation. The police officer will remain on accidental disability retirement at his full monthly benefit for the remainder of his life. For more read: Officer Sues Dealership
$380,816 – MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT-MINOR CHILD
5 year old girl was a front seat passenger in a motor vehicle when it was struck by another motor vehicle. The minor child suffered facial lacerations. Total medical expenses were $31,000. Attorney Sabra filed court action against both the driver and the owner of the other vehicle. After hearing, a judge issued an award of $330,816 for the minor child and $50,000 for the father for his loss of the child’s society, companionship and comfort.
$375,000 – ON DUTY EMT INJURED IN MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT
28 year old man injured in a motor vehicle accident while working as an EMT. Client suffered a back injury which eventually required surgery. The insurance company for the at fault driver offered only $30,000 contending that any treatment after the first few months was related to a pre-existing condition. Attorney Sabra filed court action on the case and the matter was eventually heard by an arbitrator who awarded $375,000.
$360,000 – ARBITRATION AWARD – LOWER BACK INJURY-NO SURGERY
46 year old woman was a passenger in a motor vehicle that was struck from behind. The client sustained injuries to her lower back. The defendant contended that this was a minor motor vehicle accident and that the client had a pre-existing condition. Attorney Sabra filed court action and the matter was eventually heard by an arbitrator who awarded damages in the amount of $360,000.
$300,000– MOTOR VEHICLE – FRACTURES
A 56 year old woman suffered fractures to all four extremities in a head on collision with a commercial vehicle. Attorney Aspden successfully negotiated a settlement of $300,000.
$240,000 – PRODUCTS LIABILITY/AUTO MANUFACTURER
A 38 year old man suffered a partial amputation to his leg in a single car accident. Despite allegation of alcohol consumption on the part of the plaintiff, Attorney Aspden successfully negotiated a settlement of $240,000 alleging a defective braking system in the motor vehicle.
$235,000 – PRESENT VALUE - MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT- NECK INJURY
The client was injured in an intersection motor vehicle accident. Injuries were to the client’s neck and back. The client had a pre-existing neck injury. Attorney Sabra filed court action and the case was settled for $235,000 present value.
$225,000 – 73 YEAR OLD WOMAN FALLS AT NATIONAL GROCERY STORE
A 73 year old woman slipped and fell on an accumulation of water at a national grocery store. The woman sustained a left tibia and fibula fracture, a bimalleolar ankle fracture requiring surgery and a meniscus tear of the knee. Client was admitted into rehabilitation center for 3 months with a long leg cast. The grocery store denied fault. Attorney Sabra settled the case for $225,000.
$200,000 – LETTER CARRIER FALLS ON HOMEOWNER’S WALKWAY
A 44 year old letter carrier was delivering mail when she slipped and fell on homeowner’s walkway. The owner had applied water sealer and no warning signs were placed in the area. Client sustained a fractured ankle requiring two surgeries. The home owners insurance carrier denied fault. Court action was filed. Attorney Sabra settled the case at mediation for $200,000.
$190,000 – 67 YEAR OLD MAN FALLS ON ICE AT A NATIONAL CHAIN DONUT SHOP
A 67 year old man slipped and fell on ice on property owned by a national chain donut shop when water sprinklers were left on in November. Client sustained a fractured ankle. The donut shop denied fault. Attorney Sabra settled the case for $190,000.
$153,111 – ARBITRATION AWARD-DOG BITE
9 year old child was bitten by the defendant’s dog on the defendant’s premises. The dog was chained. The minor child sustained a scar to his face. Attorney Sabra filed court action and the case was eventually heard by an arbitrator who awarded $153,111.
$150,000 – RHODE ISLAND JURY VERDICT- 18 YEAR OLD WOMAN INJURED IN MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT
An 18 year old woman was rear-ended while stopped to make a turn at an intersection. The client suffered soft tissue injuries to her neck and back. The insurance carrier offered only $20,000. The case was heard by a jury in Newport, Rhode Island. Attorney Aspden pursuaded the jury to award $150,000 and with interest the total award was $241,479.45.
$140,000 – 40 YEAR OLD WOMAN FALLS ON SNOW AND ICE
A 40 year old woman slipped and fell in parking lot of commercial building due to accumulation of snow and ice. Client fractured her ankle requiring surgery. Client had conferred with another attorney who stated she did not have a case. Attorney Sabra filed a lawsuit against the owners of the building and the matter was settled for $140,000.
$100,000 – ARBITRATION AWARD – OFFER $4,500.00 – AGGRAVATION OF PRE-EXISTING LOWER BACK CONDITION.
A 55 year old client, who was a nurse in a local hospital, was a passenger in her husband’s car when it collided with another motor vehicle. The client sustained an aggravation of a preexisting condition in her lower back requiring surgery. The insurance companies blamed each other for the accident. In addition, the insurance companies stated that our client only suffered a strain in the accident. One insurance company made an offer of $4,500.00. A lawsuit was filed by Attorney Sabra and the matter was heavily litigated before the insurance companies finally agreed to arbitrate this claim. At arbitration, the insurance companies had an orthopedic surgeon testify that client only suffered a strain. Attorney Sabra conducted a cross examination of the orthopedic surgeon. The arbitrator awarded $100,000.00.
$57,500-71 – YEAR OLD WOMAN TRIPS OVER CAR STOP
71 year old woman tripped and fell over a car stop suffering injuries to her spleen and left knee. The business owner’s insurance company insisted that they were not responsible because the car stop was an open and obvious condition. Attorney Sabra filed a lawsuit arguing that that the car stop was a dangerous condition especially in light of the fact that it was right in front of the front door. The case was settled shortly after court action was filed in the amount of $57,500.00. More importantly, as a result of this case, the business removed all of its car stops in its parking lot.
$57,000 – VERDICT–DOG BITE
A 40 year old woman was running when she was attacked by a Rottweiler which caused a meniscal tear in her knee. Attorney Aspden obtained a jury verdict in the amount of $57,000.
$22,333.63 – ARBITRATION AWARD – Offer $3,500.00 – NECK INJURY – CHIROPRACTIC TREATMENT
A 44 year old man was a passenger in a motor vehicle that was struck from behind by another motor vehicle that was not insured. A claim was made pursuant to the uninsured motorist provisions of the client’s motor vehicle policy. The client sustained a neck injury and underwent a course of chiropractic treatment. The insurance company offered $3,500.00. Attorney Sabra took the matter to arbitration and won an award of $22,333.63.
WORKER’S COMPENSATION
$785,695.41 – PRESENT VALUE – ELECTROCUTION-ROOFER
A worker lowering a ladder was electrocuted and suffered severe burns and amputations as a result of improperly mounted high voltage wires. Permanent injuries prevented the 29 year old man from ever returning to work as a roofer. A Section 28 Claim was filed against the employer for willful and wanton misconduct. The guaranteed benefit to the injured worker was $1,121,925.00 and the estimated life time benefits to the worker was $2,250,475.00. Attorney Sabra also obtained a third-party settlement for the worker with a present value of $3.15 million. The employee remains eligible for payment of his medical bills related to this injury for life. For more read: Worker’s Comp Settlement, Second Chance Article
$750,000 – MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT-BRAIN INJURY
A tanker truck driver was involved in a motor vehicle accident as a result of the negligence of another driver on Route 24. Attorney Sabra obtained permanent and total disability benefits for the injured worker and eventually settled the worker’s compensation case for a present value of $750,000. In addition, Attorney Sabra pursued a case against the negligent driver and obtained a policy limit offer of $100,000. A petition was filed in the Bristol County Superior Court for approval of the settlement. Attorney Sabra was successful in pursuading the judge to approve the settlement with no money going to the worker’s compensation insurance carrier to satisfy their lien. The employee remains eligible for payment of his medical bills related to this injury for life.
$375,000 – RHODE ISLAND – WORKER’S COMPENSATION
Attorney Aspden represented the widow of a 52 year old man who suffered injuries and died at work. The widow collected benefits for 6 years. The matter was eventually referred by prior counsel to our office and the case was concluded within 5 months.
$350,000 – EMPLOYEE/OWNER OF COMPANY – PARALYSIS
The employee was the owner of his own construction company when a wall fell on him causing multiple injuries including a spinal cord injury. The employee eventually regained function in both legs. The employee remains eligible for payment of his medical bills related to this injury for life.
$250,000 – OFFICE WORKER SUFFERS KNEE INJURY AT WORK
The client was 57 years of age and had worked for the employer for many years. While working in the office the employee injured her left knee. Two (2) worker’s compensation insurers were involved in the case and there was a dispute as to which insurer should pay benefits. There was also a dispute as to whether or not the cause of the employee’s disability was her arthritis or her injury at work. The case was litigated at the Department of Industrial Accidents through conference, hearing, Review Board and eventually the Appeals Court. Attorney Sabra was successful throughout this case eventually leading to a settlement of $250,000 for the employee. The employee remains eligible for payment of her medical bills related to this injury for life.
$250,000 PLUS HANDICAP VAN – NECK INJURY-ASSEMBLER
The client had contracted polio at an early age but nonetheless worked as an assembler when she suffered a neck injury. The worker’s compensation carrier contested the claim but Attorney Sabra was successful in obtaining Section 34A benefits for the employee for permanent and total disability. The case was eventually settled for $250,000 and the insurer agreed to pay for a handicap accessible van at a cost of $38,200. The employee remains eligible for payment of her medical bills related to this injury for life.
$250,000 – LOWER BACK INJURY
A truck driver injured his lower back while at work. He declined surgery and underwent a series of injections. The worker was paid the maximum amount of benefits for 3 years for total disability and thereafter was awarded Section 34A benefits for total and permanent disability for a closed period and then maximum benefits for partial disability. Attorney Sabra settled the case for this 58 year old man for $250,000. The worker is also on Social Security Disability.
$230,000 – REFLEX SYMPATHETIC DYSTROPHY-TRUCK DRIVER-RIGHT FOOT/ANKLE
53 year old truck driver jumped off the back of a truck injuring his right foot/ankle. The employee received temporary total disability benefits for 3 years. The settlement represents 9 1/2 years of future Section 34A benefits for total and permanent disability. The employee remains eligible for payment of his medical bills related to this injury for life.
$200,000 - CRUSH INJURY-RIGHT HAND/ARM-WEAVER
Employee was 28 years of age when she injured her right hand/arm when it became caught in a machine. The employee had multiple surgeries. Attorney Sabra was hired by the employee several years after the original incident and immediately filed a claim to increase the employee’s worker’s compensation rate based on concurrent employment. The employee was paid 3 years of benefits pursuant to Section 34 for temporary total disability. Attorney Sabra negotiated a settlement that represents 9.5 years of future benefits for permanent and total disability. The employee remains eligible for payment of her medical bills related to this injury for life.
$200,000 – HEART ATTACK/WORKER’S COMPENSATION
A 45 year old man suffered a serious heart attack during the course of his employment. The claim was denied by the worker’s compensation carrier. Attorney Aspden obtained an order for benefits at trial and later settled the case for $200,000.
$195,000 – OFFICE WORKER – BILATERAL CARPAL TUNNEL
The client suffered repetitive stress/strain injuries to both upper extremities diagnosed as bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. She was a worker in a retail store. The employee collected benefits under Section 34 for temporary total disability. Attorney Sabra settled the case for $195,000 present value. The guaranteed settlement amount was $284,727. The employee remains eligible for payment of her medical bills related to this injury for life.
$195,000 – MAINTENANCE WORKER/LOWER BACK INJURY/PRIOR INJURY
Employee was 49 years old when he injured his lower back while lifting a steel roller to put on a dolly. The employee had a prior worker’s compensation injury. The employee underwent surgery to his lower back. Attorney Sabra negotiated a settlement of $195,000 which represents approximately eight (8) years of future Section 34A benefits. In addition, the employee is on Social Security Disability. The employee remains eligible for payment of his medical bills related to this injury for life.
$193,000 – WORKER’S COMPENSATION-FRACTURED WRIST/HERNIATED CERVICAL DISC
A woman sustained a fractured wrist and a herniated cervical disc when struck with a shelf that collapsed. Attorney Aspden settled the case for $193,000.
$170,000 – SHOULDER INJURY-CELL PHONE TOWER TECH
The employee was 33 years of age when he injured his right shoulder. The employee had multiple surgeries. The employee was paid temporary total disability benefits but after almost 3 years the insurer filed a claim for recoupment claiming an overpayment. Attorney Sabra filed a claim for permanent and total disability benefits for this young man and an award was made at conference for Section 34A benefits. The matter was eventually settled for $170,000 and the insurer waived an alleged overpayment of almost $45,000. The employee remains eligible for payment of his medical bills related to this injury for life.
$153,000 – RIGHT SHOULDER INJURY-CASHIER-LONG TERM EMPLOYEE AT NATIONAL GROCERY STORE CHAIN
The employee was 56 years of age and had worked for the employer for 37 years. While moving a heavy bucket of kitty litter she injured her right shoulder. The worker’s compensation carrier attempted to modify or discontinue benefits which was denied at conference. Attorney Sabra filed a claim for permanent and total disability benefits and an award was made at conference for Section 34A benefits. Attorney Sabra also filed a Motion to Amend Claim to include injuries to the right knee and a prior injury to the right shoulder which was allowed by the judge. The case was eventually settled for $153,000. In addition, the employee is on Social Security Disability. The employee remains eligible for payment of her medical bills related to this injury for life.
$146,000 – HEALTH AID-KNEE INJURY
The employee injured her knee while going down stairs. After arthroscopic surgery the employee was still not able to return to work. The insurer attempted on 2 occasions to discontinue or modify her benefits but was denied each time. Attorney Sabra was eventually able to settle the case for $146,000. In addition, the employee is on Social Security Disability. The employee remains eligible for payment of her medical bills related to this injury for life.
$133,000 – RIGHT AND LEFT HAND/WRIST REPETITIVE USE INJURY
The employee was a quality technician when she suffered repetitive use injuries to her right and left hand. The insurer paid benefits for approximately 5 years before the case was settled by Attorney Sabra after mutiple conferences and hearings. The employee is on Social Security Disability. The employee remains eligible for payment of her medical bills related to this injury for life.
$65,000 – RIGHT SHOULDER INJURY-VOCATIONAL RETRAINING-MANAGER
The employee was 41 years of age when she injured her right shoulder. The employee had arthroscopic surgery. The employee was found suitable for vocational retraining and the insurer was ordered to pay for vocational rehabilitation. Attorney Sabra successfully negotiated a settlement of $65,000 which included a waiver by the employer of a substantial overpayment. The employee remains eligible for payment of her medical bills related to this injury for life.
RECENT CRIMINAL DEFENSE VERDICTS-ATTORNEY STEVE SABRA
10/22/10 – operating under the influence – NOT GUILTY; leaving the scene-property damage –NOT GUILTY; operating to endanger – CONTINUED WITHOUT A FINDING
05/02/10 – restraining order violation – directed verdict- NOT GUILTY (Jury of 6)
11/04/09-11/05/09 – operating under the influence – 3rd offense – NOT GUILTY(Jury of 6)
08/24/09 – operating under the influence – NOT GUILTY
06/23/08 – operating under the influence – NOT GUILTY
06/02/08 – operating under the influence – NOT GUILTY; marked lanes – NOT RESPONSIBLE(Jury of 6)
05/14/08 – open and gross lewdness – NOT GUILTY; disturbing the peace – NOT GUILTY
01/29/08-01/30/08 – indecent assault and battery – NOT GUILTY; indecent exposure -NOT GUILTY(Jury of 6)
12/03/07-12/06/07 – COMMONWEALTH v. RAYMOND ANTAYAstrong>extortion (2 counts) – NOT GUILTY; public employee receiving benefits (266A) –one count NOT GUILTY, second count GUILTY OF LESSER INCLUDED MISDEMEANOR OFFENSE. (12 Person Jury-Superior Court) For more information read: Antaya’s Bribery Trial Set to Begin, Antaya Bribery Trial Begins, Judge Throws Out Charge Agains Antaya, Antaya Cleared on 2 Counts
06/10/07 – operating under the influence – 3rd offense – NOT GUILTY(Jury of 6)
09/26/07 – operating under the influence – NOT GUILTY; operating to endanger – NOT GUILTY
01/24/06-01/25/06 – indecent assault and battery (2 counts) – NOT GUILTY(Jury of 6)
01/06/05 – reckless operation – NOT GUILTY; leaving the scene, property damage – NOT GUILTY
09/09/04-09/17/04 – rape of a child– NOT GUILTY; indecent assault and battery(2 counts) – NOT GUILTY; assault and battery(6 counts) – 4 counts NOT GUILTY/2 counts GUILTY(12 Person Jury-Superior Court)
