Attorney Andrew J. DeFusco's Legal Cases

Personal injury

Nicole's Injuries Caused by a Drunk Driver

Jun 24, 2013

OUTCOME: Uninsured Motorist Claim resolved.

Nicole, a registered nurse, was driving home one evening when she was hit by a drunk driver. She suffered fractures to both legs, and was rendered wheelchair bound. The drunk driver was initially cha ... rged with misdemeanor DUI. Through our efforts, the prosecution dismissed the misdemeanor charges in order to refile a felony case against the drunk driver. Nicole has both a restitution remedy as a crime victim and a separate right to file a civil lawsuit against the drunk driver.

Insurance

Scott's Lawsuit Against Auto Insurance Company: Insurance Bad Faith

Feb 18, 2013

OUTCOME: Case settled on confidential terms.

Scott, age 58, worked for a construction company for many years, and earned a healthy salary. While driving to a job site, he was struck head-on by another motorist, suffering severe aggravation to hi ... s pre-existing spinal injury. Scott was later terminated from his employment because of his injuries, and due to his injuries, was now able to earn only a fraction of what he earned before the collision. The responsible driver was grossly underinsured. Scott submitted an underinsured motorist claim to his own insurance company, who refused to pay his claim. In the meantime, Scott was forced to apply for food stamps and search for work in a down economy, while the insurance company continued to deny the claim. The matter resolved on confidential terms.

Personal injury

Terry's Facial Fractures and Lawsuit against a Phoenix Bar

Jan 07, 2013

OUTCOME: Judgment obtained against the bar.

Terry was enjoying New Year’s Eve with several friends at a bar in Phoenix when he was struck in the face by the bar’s security guard, who was intoxicated. Terry suffered extensive craniofacial injuri ... es and required several surgeries. The security guard was charged and convicted for assaulting Terry, but the bar denied responsibility for the security guard’s conduct, claiming he was not working for the bar that night. As a result of a lawsuit, Terry obtained a large judgment against the bar. With his felony conviction, the security guard will never be able to lawfully work as a security guard again.

Motorcycle accident

Tommy's Leg and Nerve Injuries: Bicycle/Motorcycle Collision

Sep 15, 2012

OUTCOME: Settled.

Tommy, only twelve years old, was riding a bicycle in the Tonto National Forest when he was struck by a speeding motorized dirt bike operated by a young man. Tommy suffered extensive lower extremity or ... thopedic and peripheral nerve injuries. Tommy will likely forever feel the effects of his traumatic injuries. The eventual resolution of his case permitted him to look forward and focus on his continuing recovery and completing his education.

Brain injury

Julie's Traumatic Brain Injury: Commercial Vehicle Collision

Aug 15, 2012

OUTCOME: Case settled.

Julie, twenty-seven years old, had a college degree in business and an MBA degree, working as an executive of a major corporation in Phoenix. One day her vehicle was broadsided by a construction truc ... k. Julie suffered mild traumatic brain injuries, making her work far more difficult, and requiring her to begin a lengthy course of neurorehabilitation. The driver of the construction company vehicle was responsible for causing the collision and Julie’s injuries. His employer was responsible as well, as the collision occurred while the driver was working for his employer.

Motorcycle accident

Sally's Tibia/Fibula Fractures: Motorcycle Collision

Jun 15, 2012

OUTCOME: Confidential Settlement

Sally, a woman from Coolidge, Arizona, was a passenger on a motorcycle when the driver of a commercial van turned into her, causing a collision. Sally fractured her left tibia in several places and un ... derwent extensive orthopedic reconstructive surgery to repair her badly injured leg. The driver of the van and her employer actually blamed Sally and the operator of the motorcycle for causing the collision! Sally retained our firm to file suit against the responsible driver and her employer, seeking compensation for her past and future medical expenses, loss of earnings, and general damages to make her life, at least financially, somewhat easier in the years ahead. Her case resolved on confidential terms.

Health insurance

Laura's Brain Stem Tumor and Her Insurance Company's Refusal to Pay for Treatment: Health Insurance Bad Faith

May 20, 2012

OUTCOME: Insurance Company agreed to cover all future medication costs.

Laura, only twelve years of age, was diagnosed with a malignant, inoperable tumor at the base of her brain stem. Fortunately, her parents purchased a family health insurance policy several years earli ... er. When she was first diagnosed with the cancerous tumor, her insurance company paid for her ongoing medication regime, but after a year, refused to pay for treatment any further, claiming that such treatment was “experimental.” Laura’s treating oncologist believed that the medication was essential to treat Laura’s tumor. Laura’s father, an elementary school teacher, raised money through community-based fundraisers (like car washes), but could not come up with the $8,000 per month cost of the medication. Laura’s parents retained DeFusco & Udelman, P.L.C. to assist. Today, that insurance company continues to pay for Laura’s monthly medication costs.

Personal injury

Mike's Burn Injuries and Product Liability Lawsuit

Mar 05, 2012

OUTCOME: Case settled on confidential terms.

Mike, a lawyer in his early 50's, was enjoying a Sunday afternoon grilling in his backyard when his grill exploded, causing serious burn injuries. Mike retained DeFusco & Udelman, P.L.C. to represent ... him against various entities involved in the manufacture and sale of the grill and its component parts. Mike alleged in the lawsuit that grill and certain parts were defectively manufactured. With the case now behind him, Mike returned to work, concentrating on his own cases as a practicing attorney.

Trucking accident

Paula's Cervical Spine Fracture: Trucking Collision

Jan 01, 2012

OUTCOME: Settled

Paula, a nineteen-year-old college student and avid soccer player, was a passenger with her friend in a vehicle on Interstate I-10 near Quartzite, Arizona, when an 18-wheel semi-tractor trailer collide ... d with her vehicle. Paula suffered a “Hangman’s” type fracture to her cervical spine. Fortunately, she recovered. Her settlement gave her the freedom to continue her education without worrying about future medical care costs.

Personal injury

Tony's Lawsuit Against the Shooter

Sep 11, 2010

OUTCOME: Case settled.

Tony was at a house party when his friend, who was intoxicated, shot him in the leg, severely injuring him. The shooter was charged and convicted of a felony offense and served a lengthy prison senten ... ce. Tony, through our efforts, filed a civil lawsuit against the shooter. The evidence gathered by the prosecution in the criminal case was of great value in Tony’s civil lawsuit, ultimately leading to a successful resolution.

Andrew J. DeFusco's Legal Cases (17)

Nicole's Injuries Caused by a Drunk Driver

Scott's Lawsuit Against Auto Insurance Company: Insurance Bad Faith

Terry's Facial Fractures and Lawsuit against a Phoenix Bar

Tommy's Leg and Nerve Injuries: Bicycle/Motorcycle Collision

Julie's Traumatic Brain Injury: Commercial Vehicle Collision

Sally's Tibia/Fibula Fractures: Motorcycle Collision

Laura's Brain Stem Tumor and Her Insurance Company's Refusal to Pay for Treatment: Health Insurance Bad Faith

Mike's Burn Injuries and Product Liability Lawsuit

Paula's Cervical Spine Fracture: Trucking Collision

Tony's Lawsuit Against the Shooter