Tracy Morgan/ Wal-Mart Settle Personal Injury Lawsuit Comes to Surprising Close

Although a large number of cases settle out of court, certain ones seem destined to become lengthy media spectacles. If you've been following the story of comedian Tracy Morgan in our Charleston personal injury blog, you're probably somewhat familiar with the verbal exchanges the two parties have had. The Case Took Almost a Year to Settle In the early morning hours on the New Jersey turnpike last June, Tracy Morgan was riding in a tour van with comrades James McNair, Ardley Fuqua and Jeffrey Millea. A trucker plagued with fatigue and working for Wal-Mart followed behind the group. Although all the details from the accident were never released, reports indicate that the driver of the Wal-Mart truck admitted he had not slept in more than 24 hours and he was also speeding. When traffic slowed to a stop, the trucker didn't realize it and slammed into the back of Mr. Morgan's tour van. James McNair died as a result, and Mr. Morgan received traumatic brain injury, as well as other serious bodily harm. His recovery from the incident has been ongoing, and he has required enormous amounts of medical care, physical therapy, and time away from work. The other two gentlemen in the group were injured, though not as seriously as Mr. Morgan. Wal-Mart Initially Blamed Tracy Morgan for His Injuries Despite the fact that Wal-Mart's driver was clearly at fault, Wal-Mart tried to place the blame on Mr. Morgan and his companions for not wearing their seatbelts at the time of the collision. In court documents, the company alleges that the party may not have been injured at all if they had been buckled. Needless to say, Mr. Morgan conveyed his shock to the media. The Details of the Settlement Have Not Been Released According to the New York Daily News, James McNair's wrongful death lawsuit against Wal-Mart recently settled out of court. His children reportedly received $10 million. Mr. Morgan and his two surviving companions had a separate personal injury lawsuit, which was settled earlier this month for an undisclosed sum. Although court records have been sealed at the request of those involved, Mr. Morgan has stated that he feels the company has done right by the individuals involved. Moreover, they have accepted responsibility for the collision, which, given Wal-Mart's history of dental and finger-pointing, has provided some comfort for the victims.

Charleston Personal Injury Attorney

Although the settlement can't restore life lost, nor miraculously rid Mr. Morgan of his injuries, the outcome of the case may be the best that one can hope for. Although nobody knows how much the survivors received, it was likely enough to cover Mr. Morgan's medical bills, those accrued by the others in the crash, plus to provide for pain and suffering and other expenses. Wal-Mart's acceptance of the blame no doubt resonates well with all involved too. If you've been hurt in a similar fashion or due to another party's negligence, you, too, may be entitled to reparations and peace-of-mind. Please contact us using our online form or speak to one of our attorneys now by calling 1(800)610-2546.