Multimillion Dollar Settlement by Catholic Charities for Injuries, Fatality in Van Crash

By Mary Mitchell

Published on December 07, 2006

The van was carrying 13 disabled residents of Boca Raton, Florida group homes, traveling at about 45 mph when it left the road, went through a hedge and then a concrete wall, and hit a tree. The driver, Vena Valceus, substituting that day for the regular driver of the van, said later that a car had cut her off, but witnesses did not agree. Passenger Michael Cass, 55, died from his injuries eleven days later. Lori Hoyt was one of the injured; she lost an eye and suffered a brain injury that may require around-the-clock care indefinitely. Court records indicate that she was awarded $6.1 million. The settlement sums for the other plaintiffs were not disclosed.

The van passengers, who ranged in age from 20 to 55, were all living at Boca Raton-area homes operated by Catholic Charities at the time of the accident. According to court records, Catholic Charities did not check the Ms. Valceus' driving record before they hired her.

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