California Teen Awarded $23.4 Million for Debilitating Injuries Following Car Accident

By Mary Mitchell

Published on September 29, 2006

Much of the lawsuit focused on whether Infranca's employer, electrical manufacturing firm E.A. Pedersen Co., should also be held liable for Cade's injuries. Infranca stated that he was heading to a doctor's appointment at the time of the accident. Cade's attorney Wylie Aitken of Santa Ana argued that Infranca was nevertheless engaged in the course and scope of his employment, and the jury agreed.

Cade and his 16-year-old sister were being driven by their mother to a fast-food restaurant after school. Although his sister and mother received only minor injuries, Cade's skull was fractured in the crash; he was in a coma for two weeks after the accident and has undergone more than 24 surgeries since then. He requires 24-hour care, and cannot speak or walk well. The jury awarded $10 million for past and future physical and mental suffering, $1.5 million for future lost earnings, $7 million for future medical expenses, and approximately $4.9 million to cover the medical expenses that Cade's injuries have already incurred.

Cade's family began a website, www.prayforcade.bravehost.com, to provide updates about Cade's progress and to thank friends and their community for their support.

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