DC Police Officer Opens Door Into Cyclist’s Path
CSCS represented a bicyclist injured when a District of Columbia police officer parked and opened a vehicle door into approaching traffic. The District initially declined to accept responsibility for the officer’s conduct.
TBI, Facial Fractures and Dental Injuries
The cyclist suffered severe and permanent injuries, including traumatic brain injury, multiple facial and nasal fractures, and fractured teeth. The brain injury produced debilitating headaches and cognitive problems that interfered with his career.
District Uses Reconstruction and Medical Experts
The District retained an accident reconstructionist and advanced a vehicle blind-spot theory. It also retained medical experts to challenge the seriousness of the cyclist’s injuries. Allan M. Siegel litigated the case in D.C. Superior Court and deposed the defense experts, challenging their opinions and exposing weaknesses that would face cross-examination.
$3.5 Million Resolution
Following the litigation, the District of Columbia agreed to settle the cyclist’s claim for $3.5 million.
Case Result Summary
| Settlement | $3.5 million |
| Case type | Bicycle dooring / TBI |
| Jurisdiction | Superior Court of the District of Columbia |
| Defendant | District of Columbia |
| Attorney | Allan M. Siegel |
| Injuries | TBI; facial/nasal fractures; fractured teeth |
| Key issues | Government defendant; reconstruction expert; blind-spot defense; medical experts |
| Resolution | $3.5 million settlement |
