RI Supports Insurance Reform Through Awards for Personal Injury Cases

2009 was an advantageous year for the soft-tissue injury personal injury client in Rhode Island. The decisions rendered by the State courts in trial matters, so vastly differed from the offers received by insurance companies across the board, that one could infer there is an upward trend in the way that juries are willing to decide insurance cases that leans heavily in favor, finally, of the victims.

Attorney Rui Alves, a Rhode Island and Massachusetts Family and Personal Injury Lawyer, had no involvement in any of these cases. His interest prompted him to offer them here in summarized format for information purposes only.


Pre-Trial Offer: $18,000.00

Arbitration Offer: non-binding, pre-trial arbitration offer of $43,000.00 including interest was denied by the carrier

Facts: 3 vehicle rear-end collision at a red light… Defendant slid into a truck on snowy/icy road conditions, pushing the truck into another vehicle driven by a 41 year old woman… the Defense for Liberty attempted to state that the truck was at fault for the Plaintiff’s injuries, not their insured

Injuries and Damages: 41 year old woman suffers chronic cervical injury, knee contusion and possible disc involvement… damages for medical expenses and work absence totaled $6,000.00

Verdict: Jury awards $135,000.00, the exact amount suggested by Plaintiff’s counsel, and in spite of voting for reform during voir dire questioning, and possible pre-existing condition by Plaintiff



Pre-Trial Offer: $5,000.00

Facts: Plaintiff files a claim for injuries sustained in a slip and fall on snow and ice covering a walkway… the property owner was found to be 75% responsible for failing to clear the walkway

Verdict: Plaintiff awarded $13,758.00 for injuries and damages against Allstate Insurance Company


Pre-Trial Offer: $21,000.00

Facts: Peter Iascone and Greg Sorbello represent a client against Allstate Insurance Company for injuries that effected ability to keep current employment status… Economist Dr. Feldman testified for the Plaintiff

Damages: Over $21,000.00 in medical bills from orthopedic surgeon and rehab employment specialist

Verdict: Newport County jury awards Plaintiff almost $90,000.00 including interest

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If you have questions about this posting or are interested in Divorce, Immigration, or Estate Law in RI or MA contact Massachusetts and Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer Rui P. Alves at 401-942-3100 or CONTACT him via email.