Attorney John Nazzaro Obtains More Than $1.1 Million Settlement For A Groton Couple Injured In A Motor Vehicle Collision

New London – – A forty-three-year-old local engineer has resolved his civil claim for a sum in excess of one million dollars with his wife resolving her claim also in excess of one hundred thousand dollars as a result of injuries each sustained when they were struck nearly head on by a drunk driver in Ledyard two years ago, according to attorneys at the Reardon Law Firm in New London, Connecticut. Eric and Melanie Thompson both of Groton watched in horror as their vehicle and that of the other driver Samuel McGrath went up in flames after McGrath, twenty-five, apparently intoxicated, hit the Thompsons in the early evening of July 21, 2018. McGrath was arrested for several charges including operating under the influence of alcohol after he registered more than twice the legal limit on breath tests after the collision in rural Ledyard. His criminal case is still pending in court. He has been out on bond. The Thompsons continue to work with the office of the Assistant State’s Attorney and Office of the Victim Advocate at G.A. 10 Superior Court in New London, according to their attorney John J. Nazzaro. He said both Thompsons sustained serious injury when their vehicle was struck. Mr. Thompson sustained injury to his back which resulted in surgery and a significant impairment, according to Nazzaro. After rehabilitation and hard work, Nazzaro said Thompson is back to work, and due to Covid 19 precautions and company policy, works remotely from home. Mrs. Thompson sustained injuries to her abdomen, chest, and a crush injury to her right hand. She has lingering difficulties with her right hand while managing their family, multiple jobs, and school. “This family was dealt a serious blow. But they are back on their feet working and managing like others through this challenging environment,” said attorney Nazzaro who put the matter into suit early due to the serious nature of his clients’ injuries. The case resolved after suit, depositions, discovery, and a remote pre-trial conference with Judge Barbara Bailey Jongbloed in New London. Nazzaro also credits his opposing counsel Joseph (Jay) Melley who represented the interests of McGrath, his family and the Allstate insurance company which paid the claims for resolving the case before trial. “Even though the Superior Court is operating with limitations our team was able to obtain a favorable settlement in difficult circumstance,” said Nazzaro. Jury trials remain suspended for the calendar year in all probability, according to Nazzaro who at one time was the Chief Presiding Civil Judge in the New London Judicial District. “Now it is up to the criminal court to deliver justice to this family seriously impacted by the conduct of Mr. McGrath. It’s been two years. It’s time,” said the attorney.