From victim to victor
Richard Alexander and Jeff Rickard of Alexander Hawes LLP have been named “Trial Lawyers of the Year” because of the outstanding way they have handled their cases. One case in particular caught the attention of those on the panel as it drew attention to the lawyer’s ability to strategically handle the complexities of a
personal injury case involving a young person. In a personal injury compensation case, a young 12 year old boy darted out in to the road and was then hit by a SUV.
The impact threw the chid over the car and as a result the twelve year old sustained considerable injuries, including major brain injury as well as numerous broken cheek bones. Richard Alexander commented on the case, saying that “Personal Injuries cases like these are nearly impossible to win”, mainly “because the police officers blame the victim for the accident”. Initially they approached the driver’s insurance company asking for the maximum $50,000 which was available on the policy. When they did not hear back however, they pursued the case with full fervour, this meant including expert scientist testimony, sophisticated video technology to reconstruct the scene.
John Shepardson of the Santa Clara County Trial Lawyers Association (SCCLTA) who issued the award commented that “this personal injury case illustrates the qualities that make Richard Alexander and Jeff Rickard stellar advocates for the people”. He continued; “who wins against long odds and in doing so protects you...youth and the weak and vulnerable against large powerful companies and insurance carriers? These guys do.”
Updated on 12/11/2008