Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, February 10, 1994 TAG: 9402100160
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C4 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: Knight-Ridder/Tribune
DATELINE: NEWPORT NEWS LENGTH: Short
In 1991, the 264-pound woman was riding the bike when the seat-support post burst through the plastic seat and ripped through her rectum and intestines.
Tuesday, attorneys for the Newport News woman reached a settlement with the retail company that sold her sister the bike in 1980.
The agreement came just seconds before a federal jury cleared the company - S&H Green Stamps - of any liability.
"What is most interesting about this case is that justice was truly served," said defense attorney Daniel Schieble. "The product and S&H Green Stamps were rightfully vindicated, but this woman, who was so seriously hurt, was able to be compensated."
Caudle's attorney, Jerry Franklin, said he was disappointed with the verdict but glad she got some money.
The entire settlement, which was not disclosed, will likely go toward medical expenses, which have exceeded $200,000, and legal fees, Caudle said.
But "it's nowhere near enough to cover all the medical expenses, much less present and future medical necessities," Caudle said. She originally sought $1 million.
Defense attorneys successfully argued that a screw holding the seat in place had either been removed or had fallen out, causing the seat to rest right on top of the post.
by CNB