$60M Landmark Victory Against Tesla

Christie Farrell Lee & Bell’s Landmark $60M Victory Against Tesla

We have always believed that clients notice a major difference when they work with our law firm, Christie Farrell Lee & Bell. The difference is because our strength is having the right team. 

In an extraordinary demonstration of legal strength and unwavering commitment, Christie Farrell Lee & Bell and team secured a monumental victory for Christopher Dugan and his family, marking one of the largest vehicle collision verdicts in Indiana’s state history. 

Tesla Motors, Inc. has been ordered by Marion Superior Court, following a jury trial, to pay a $42,481,243.00 settlement to the guardianship estate of Christopher Dugan. 

This landmark case not only underscores the firm’s dedication to its clients but also highlights its prowess in navigating complex legal battles against massive companies, such as Tesla Motors, Inc.

Christie Farrell Lee and Bell associated with nationally recognized attorney Nick Rowley (Trial Lawyers for Justice) and his partner, Karen Zahka to pursue the case against Tesla.  Throughout the trial, Christie Farrell Lee & Bell attorneys, Lee Christie and Katie Marshall, and The Trial Lawyers for Justice exhibited a profound understanding of the intricacies of personal injury law, demonstrating the ability to present a compelling case that highlighted Tesla’s disregard for safety and accountability. 

Christopher Dugan, a devoted father and skilled engineer, suffered life-altering injuries in a 2017 collision that could only be described as both tragic and preventable. While on his way to work, Chris was broadsided by a Tesla-owned Ford Super Duty F-250, driven by a Tesla service manager who recklessly attempted a dangerous maneuver.

The collision left Chris with a traumatic brain injury, partial foot amputation, and a future fraught with challenges.

The lawsuit, initiated by the Dugan guardianship estate against Tesla, Inc. and the negligent employee, was not just a fight for compensation; it was a battle for justice, accountability, and recognition of the immense pain and suffering endured by Chris and his family. Christie Farrell Lee & Bell, alongside co-counsel of Nick Rowley and Karen Zahka from Trial Lawyers for Justice, dove headfirst into the legal fray, armed with evidence, expert testimony, and a fierce determination to advocate for Chris.

The jury’s verdict was a resounding affirmation of the legal team’s efforts, awarding a staggering $60.6 million in damages, later adjusted to $42.4 million due to comparative fault considerations. This verdict is a testament to the jury’s acknowledgment of Tesla’s significant responsibility for the vehicle accident and the profound impact it had on Chris’s life. The case was also featured in the Indianapolis Star recently as well. 

The verdict is not merely a financial settlement; it represents a beacon of hope for the Dugan family and individuals from the state of Indiana. It offers Chris the means to access the care and support he requires, allowing him to navigate his long journey toward recovery with dignity. The legal team’s relentless pursuit of justice has ensured that, despite the irreversible damage inflicted, Chris and his daughter will not face the future alone.

Christie said in the statement that “Dugan has a long journey ahead of him due to his brain injury. This verdict will not restore this doting father, but it will help ensure this family has the resources they need in the absence of its primary caregiver.”

Lee Christie’s reflection on the role of a father underscores the personal stake the legal team had in this case, viewing Chris not just as a client, but as a member of their own community, deserving of every opportunity to rebuild his life. This case exemplifies how Christie Farrell Lee & Bell’s legal acumen and compassionate advocacy can truly make a difference in the lives of those they represent.

In the face of corporate indifference and legal hurdles, Christie Farrell Lee & Bell stood firm, championing the cause of a family devastated by negligence by Tesla. This victory is a powerful reminder of the critical role diligent and empathetic legal representation plays in delivering justice, affirming the firm’s status as a pillar of support for those in need.

Listen To Attorney Lee Christie Explain What Happened

To learn more about the history of the Dugan vs. Tesla case, listen to attorney Lee Christie on the Elawvate podcast. It’s a very interesting conversation about how the accident happened, the legal battle that ensued, and how Tesla, Elon Musk, and the legal team denied responsibility.
Listen here

Christie Farrell Lee & Bell is Indiana’s trusted personal injury law firm for a reason. Our priority is our clients and we are 100% focused on helping those suffering serious injuries. Contact us with any inquiries.