Jury awards $11.8 million for deaths arising out of drunk-driving accident

St. Louis – A Cole County jury has awarded the family of a mother and son killed by a drunk driver more than $11.8 million in compensatory and punitive damages. The jury returned the verdict on Nov. 13 after a two-day trial.

On Sunday, Nov. 4, 2007 around 11:25 a.m., Eric Olsen, 41, was driving with his family on Highway C in Cole County, Mo. His wife, Jean, sat in the front passenger seat. The Olsens’ daughter Johanna, 14, and her brother Tobias, 17, sat in the back seat. Larry Welch, 55, driving east on Highway C, crossed the center line and crashed into the Olsens’ westbound vehicle. Jean and Tobias Olsen died in the accident. Eric and Johanna Olsen were seriously injured.

Welch pleaded guilty to two counts of involuntary manslaughter. In August, Cole County Judge Richard Callahan sentenced Welch to 15 years on each count. The sentences were to be served concurrently.

St. Louis-based lawyers Paul J. Passanante, Dawn M. Mefford and Katharine M. Jilka of Paul J. Passanante, PC & Associates filed the wrongful death and personal injury lawsuit on behalf of Eric and Johanna Olsen.

For the wrongful death claim of Eric Olsen for the death of Tobias, the jury awarded $271,705.05. For the wrongful death claim of Eric and Johanna Olsen for the death of Jean, the jury awarded $1,575,427.10.  For Eric Olsen’s claim for damages for aggravating circumstances for the death of Tobias, the jury awarded $5 million. For the claim for damages for aggravating circumstances for the death of Jean made by Eric and Johanna Olsen, the jury awarded $5 million.

“A year ago, this wonderful family was torn apart when Mr. Welch recklessly ruined their lives,” said Passanante. “The jury’s award was just. Unfortunately, it will not bring back Jean and Tobias or make their deaths any less painful.”

St. Louis-based Paul J. Passanante, PC & Associates handles personal injury, medical malpractice, auto accident, truck accident and wrongful death claims.
 

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Legal Media Matters 314.520.3897
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