Settlement Reached in Erie County Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuit

By Robert Carrier

Published on May 12, 2008

Mercer County Common Pleas Judge Francis J. Fornelli approved the settlement for Stanley and Rhonda Mariacher on April 29. The settlement allocates $550,000 for pain and suffering, $25,000 for past and future medical expenses, $60,000 for lost wages, and an additional $50,000 to Rhonda Mariacher for the loss of consortium.

Stanley Mariacher suffered a severe spinal cord injury, as well as traumatic psychological and neurological damage, as a result of a fall in January of 2004 at Wheatland Tube Co. While securing the freight that had been loaded onto his trailer by Wheatland Tube employees, Stanley fell and suffered severe injuries. The couple brought the suit against Wheatland Tube Co. because the couple felt the company placed Mr. Mariacher at "unreasonable risk."

The insurance company representing Wheatland Tube Co., Sentry Select Insurance Co., is seeking to obtain compensation from Stanley Mariacher's employer's insurance company for legal fees and reimbursement of the settlement. The counter claim is being brought forth in U.S. District Court, Pittsburgh.