On December 21, 2022, school security guard Mary Ortega suffered catastrophic injuries while on duty at Kensington Park Elementary. After being struck by motorized entry gates pushed by a reversing Sherlock Tree Company landscaping truck, Mary sustained a traumatic brain injury and a torn rotator cuff—both requiring emergency medical intervention and long-term rehabilitation.
The Haggard Law Firm’s Douglas McCarron secured a $1 Million policy limit settlement on behalf of Mary Ortega in this case, ensuring vital support for her recovery and ongoing care.
How the Incident Happened
According to witnesses, the landscaping truck was reversing toward the back of the school when it collided with the gates. Mary was standing between the moving gates and had little time to react. The impact caused the gates to slam into her, throwing her to the ground and causing her to hit her head on the pavement.
Emergency Surgery and Lasting Brain Damage
Mary was transported to Jackson Memorial Ryder Trauma Center, where a CT scan revealed both a subarachnoid hemorrhage and a left-sided subdural hemorrhage with shift—critical conditions requiring immediate brain surgery. She underwent a left-sided craniotomy to alleviate swelling and stop the bleeding.
Post-surgery evaluations confirmed that Mary now lives with long-term cognitive impairments, including:
- Deficits in perceptual reasoning
- Reduced sustained attention
- Impaired language skills
- Disruption in executive functioning
Rotator Cuff Tear and Additional Surgery
In addition to the traumatic brain injury, Mary suffered a full-thickness rotator cuff tear, which severely limited her mobility. Due to her difficulty walking and reliance on an assistive device, surgery was initially delayed. On September 1, 2023, she underwent successful shoulder repair, followed by physical therapy and a structured home exercise regimen.
Justice Secured: $1 Million Policy Limits Settlement
The Haggard Law Firm fought to hold Sherlock Tree Company fully accountable for its negligence, securing a $1 million policy limits settlement—the maximum available under the defendant’s insurance policy.
This result ensures Mary has access to the medical care, rehabilitation services, and financial support needed to navigate her long-term recovery.
The Haggard Law Firm: Advocating for the Seriously Injured
With a proven track record in catastrophic injury and premises liability cases, The Haggard Law Firm is proud to have secured justice for Mary Ortega and her family.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured due to negligence, contact our team today.
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