SKETCHES OF COURT: Jury finds plaintiff 95% responsible in car accident trial

November 18, 2015 By Alba Acevedo Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Court sketch by Alba Acevedo

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In this courtroom sketch, Hon. Sylvia Ash listens as the plaintiff’s attorney Louis DeSorbo (standing), of counsel to the Shakhnevisch Law Group, delivers his summation to the jury in the pedestrian-motor vehicle accident trial Harris v. Khaimovich.

In November 2012, Lonnie Harris was attempting to cross Coney Island Avenue at Avenue Z. Harris testified that he was in the crosswalk when next he knew he was on the ground, bleeding from his head and ear.

Timor Khaimovich was behind the wheel of the 12-passenger van that impacted Harris, and is represented by Aaron O’Brien (at right), of the law firm James G. Bilello & Associates. The defense called on an eyewitness bicycler, who testified that Harris had crossed in front of her, though not in the crosswalk, after which she heard a loud boom. She turned around to see Harris in the air.

Harris’ injuries included a punctured and collapsed lung, a ruptured spleen, several fractured ribs, a broken kneecap and a stay in intensive care for 13 days. He was eventually able to return to work.

On the issue of liability, the jury determined that Harris was 95 percent responsible, with the defendant only 5 percent responsible. He was awarded $50,000 as compensation for past pain and suffering in the summary jury trial that concluded last week in Kings County Civil Term.