Maine crash victim awarded $47K for neck and back injuries

AUBURN, Maine, Jan. 19, 2017 – A jury today awarded $47,800 in damages to a Topsham, Maine, woman who was forced to give up her dream of becoming a nurse after she was seriously injured in a car crash.

The unanimous jury verdict in favor of 29-year-old Kendra Gagne concluded a three-day civil trial held at Androscoggin County Superior Court in Auburn.

On the afternoon of June 25, 2013, Gagne was stopped at a red light on Lisbon Street in Lewiston when she was struck from behind by a car driven by Ronald Ouellette of Lewiston. Gagne suffered injuries to her neck and back.

At the time, Gagne was working at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston and attending nursing school. Because of her injuries, Gagne lost her job and eventually had to give up her dream of becoming a nurse.

Attorney Travis Brennan of the Berman & Simmons law firm in Lewiston represented Gagne in a lawsuit against Ouellette. Today’s verdict covers Gagne’s medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life, Brennan said.

“We’re pleased with the outcome and thankful for the hard work and time put in by the jury,” Brennan said. “The consequences of this crash were significant for my client. Today’s verdict affirms what we always believed, that Kendra was entitled to fair compensation under the law.”

Travis Brennan, Berman & Simmons