$24 Million Wrongful Death Settlement Sets Virginia Record After Nurse Killed by Commercial Truck

A fully loaded commercial truck crossed the center line at highway speed and struck the vehicle of a 33-year-old registered nurse and mother of two. The collision was witnessed by her husband and their two young children, ages 4 and 10, who were following in a separate car. Her brother was a passenger in her vehicle at the time of impact.

Despite emergency medical intervention, the woman died one week later. She left behind four statutory beneficiaries: her husband, her two minor children, and her brother, who was a dependent household member.

The defendants, a commercial motor carrier and its driver, initially contested corporate negligence claims. Plaintiffs pressed direct negligence theories including negligent hiring and retention of the driver. On the eve of trial, the defendants admitted liability on those corporate negligence claims as well.

Edward L. Allen and Parker E. Allen of Allen, Allen, Allen and Allen in Richmond took the case to the courthouse steps. The matter resolved on the first day of trial, shortly before jury selection was set to begin, through mediation overseen by Michael E. Harman. The settlement reached $24 million.

Virginia Lawyers Weekly reported the result as the largest wrongful death recovery in Virginia history by settlement or verdict, more than doubling the previous reported record of $12 million. The case resolved September 9, 2025.