NEWS
JURY AWARDS $1,275,000.00 ALVARADO v. CITY OF ORLANDO November 23, 2009
On January 20, 2006, Edwin Alvarado, a twenty-one year old, had just left his house after eating dinner with his Mother. Edwin was going to get a haircut and then meet up with his girlfriend. At approximately 6:30 p.m. on that date, Edwin spoke with his girlfriend to make plans for getting together later in the evening.
At approximately 7:00 p.m. Edwin was traveling down Ivey Lane when a pick-up truck that was being chased by the City of Orlando Police Department ignored a stop sign and crashed into the driver's side door of Edwin's vehicle. At approximately 7:44 p.m. Edwin was pronounced dead.
Edwin had a lot to look forward to in addition to his marriage. He was getting ready to start a new job and was taking classes to become a pharmacy technician. He was a quiet kid but once you got to know him he was very outgoing. He had a great smile. He loved to play the guitar, sing and dance.
In 2008, Tom DeLattre reached a settlement against State Farm, the insurance carrier for the pick-up truck, for an amount well above the policy limits of $10,000.00 held by State Farm.
The City of Orlando offered nothing and refused to offer any money to settle the case, forcing Tom DeLattre and Glen Wieland to go to trial against the City of Orlando which lasted eight (8) days. The jury awarded a total of $1,275,000.00 to Edwin's Mother and Father for their pain and suffering as a result of the loss of their son.
The jury placed 55% of the blame on the City of Orlando Police Department and 45% of the blame on the driver of the pick-up. It was a long, hard fought battle brought on by the City's unwillingness to accept any responsibility.
It is unknown at this time whether the City intends to appeal the decision.
Wieland Hilado & DeLattre. Representing injured victims and their families for more than 25 years.
