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$40M SETTLEMENT: In May 2022, a family traveling to drop their daughter off at daycare in Chester, Pennsylvania, was struck by an 80,000-pound tractor trailer hauling municipal waste. The impact claimed the life of a young father, seriously injured his fiancée, and forever changed the future of their daughter. After nearly two years of legal work and trial preparation, the attorneys at Stampone O’Brien Dilsheimer Holloway delivered a monumental $40 million settlement.
The collision occurred when the commercial vehicle failed to stop at a red light and entered the family’s lane of travel, despite their clear right of way. What appeared at first to be a tragic accident quickly proved to be something much worse. The collision was the result of systemic negligence, ignored safety protocols, and a complete breakdown of oversight across multiple corporate entities.
“This case was about so much more than the crash—it was about accountability,” said lead trial attorney Kevin O’Brien. “There were thousands of missed opportunities to prevent this. Instead, a dangerous vehicle was allowed to operate day after day until it finally took someone’s life.”
A Legal Team Built for the Challenge
The case was initially filed by co-counsel Robert Doig, a seasoned trial attorney who had worked closely with the family from the start. As the matter grew more complex and trial approached, Doig turned to Kevin O’Brien and the team at Stampone O’Brien Dilsheimer Holloway to bring their litigation strength and trial experience to bear.
Attorneys Tyler Stampone and Brock Atkins supported the final push. Stampone led the charge on expert discovery, managing late-stage disclosures and preparing witnesses across multiple specialties. “We had to hit the ground running,” said Stampone. “But we had a clear mission—and we had each other’s backs.”
Atkins joined as trial neared, helping to refine strategy and simplify the corporate web of contractors, insurers, and negligent actors. “Our job was to make the facts undeniable,” Atkins said. “To cut through the complexity and tell this family’s story in a way the jury could feel.”
Working in close coordination, the legal team assembled a full bench of experts—ranging from trucking safety professionals and accident reconstructionists to medical, psychiatric, and economic specialists—who helped present a clear, compelling case of what went wrong and what had been lost.
A Case of Corporate Neglect
The team uncovered that the truck involved in the collision hadn’t passed a safety inspection in nearly two years. Its brakes and tires were dangerously worn. The driver lacked proper credentials and had a record of prior safety violations. Despite this, the vehicle was allowed to operate while hauling municipal waste more than 3,600 times through controlled facilities.
“Over 3,600 times, this truck passed through sites under corporate control—without a single intervention,” O’Brien said. “The evidence showed they had every opportunity to stop this, and they chose not to.”
After 9 days of testimony consisting of 25+ witnesses—and with closing arguments imminent—the defense finally conceded by increasing their offer to $40 million.
A Resolution That Brings Security and Closure
The $40 million settlement provides long-term support for the surviving family members, covering medical treatment, lost income, and long-term care. More importantly, it offers accountability and closure for a loss that should never have occurred.
“As a parent, this case stayed with me,” O’Brien reflected. “No amount of money can undo what happened. But helping this family find stability—that’s what we fight for.”
Tyler Stampone agreed. “We’re proud of the outcome we were able to secure. Our client placed her trust in us, and we honored that responsibility every step of the way.”
Atkins added, “At Stampone O’Brien Dilsheimer Holloway, we don’t just take cases—we take them personally. When someone’s life is turned upside down, we’re here to make sure those responsible are held accountable and justice is served.”
