Los Angeles, CA personal injury lawyer Ricardo Echeverria talks about memorable case in which he was able to get $25 million for a family whose 10 year-old son suffered catastrophic personal injury. He explains that Dillon Elkins, a 10-year-old boy, found himself in a tragic situation when he hopped into the back of a pickup truck driven by a group of teenagers after a high school football game. The driver instructed Dillon and his 10-year-old best friend to jump out of the truck if they spotted a police officer. Unfortunately, as fate would have it, a California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer drove by, prompting the driver to shout, “jump!” Without hesitation, Dillon followed the command, leaping out of the truck and hitting his head. The impact resulted in him becoming a spastic quadriplegic, forever altering his life.

My role in this case was to file a negligence lawsuit against the driver for his reckless behavior, seeking compensation for Dillon’s injuries and the immense challenges he would face for the rest of his life. Dillon endured nearly a year in the hospital before finally being able to return home, but he would forever bear the effects of being a spastic quadriplegic.

The case proceeded to trial in Barstow, where we presented our arguments and evidence over several weeks. Ultimately, the jury rendered a verdict in favor of Dillon, awarding him a substantial sum of $25 million in damages. Following the verdict, we were able to negotiate a settlement that significantly improved Dillon’s and his family’s quality of life. Bringing about positive change and securing a brighter future for Dillon and his loved ones was truly rewarding for me as their attorney.