SCRANTON – Litigation over a motor vehicle collision which broke the ankle of a minor child was recently settled in a Lackawanna County court for $130,000.
Jose Morales and Jahira Morales initially filed a petition in the Lackawanna County Court of Common Pleas on Aug. 24 versus Michael Kleha. All parties are of Scranton.
“Jose Morales and Jahira Morales are the parents and natural guardians of A.M., a minor, who was injured in an accident on Sept. 21, 2020, wherein A.M. was riding his bicycle when he was struck by the vehicle driven by defendant. Minor plaintiff sustained a broken ankle requiring surgery and is doing well at the present time,” the petition stated.
“Settlement offers of the policy limits of $100,000 was made to the plaintiffs by defendant’s insurance company, Progressive Insurance Company; and in the amount of $30,000 from the plaintiffs’ underinsured motorist coverage with Geico Insurance Company, for a total of $130,000.”
According to the petition, the plaintiffs/petitioners have been advised that the aforesaid combined offers of $130,000 are fair and reasonable, and they desire to accept the same in settlement of this claim, on behalf of the minor plaintiff.
“Attorney’s fees to Munley Law are 35%, or $45,500. Costs advanced by Munley Law are $277.61. Plaintiffs/petitioners pray this Honorable Court to approve the settlement in the above-captioned action in the amount of $130,000, to execute general releases, and to approve payment,” the petition added.
The petition said the payments were to be distributed as follows:
• Munley Law – Attorney’s Fees – $45,500
• Munley Law – Costs Advanced – $277.61
• The balance of the proceeds in the amount of $84,222.39 to be placed into an interest-bearing account, marked “Not to be paid until the minor plaintiff reaches the age of 18 years, which will be Feb. 14, 2026, except upon due authorization from this Court.”
The plaintiffs are represented by James C. Munley of Munley Law, in Scranton.
Lackawanna County Court of Common Pleas case 2021-CV-03635
From the Pennsylvania Record: Reach Courts Reporter Nicholas Malfitano at nick.malfitano@therecordinc.com