Marine Paralyzed In Motorcycle Crash Wins $45 Million Verdict

CONNECTICUT — A U.S. Marine who was permanently paralyzed in a 2021 motorcycle crash in Oakville won a $45 million verdict this week.

A jury in Superior Court in Waterbury reached the verdict on July 22 in favor of 26-year-old Don D. Zemo IV.

Zemo suffered a T12 spinal cord injury in the accident, and he now has permanent lower-body paralysis, according to his attorneys, Michael A. D’Amico and Jeremy D’Amico of D’Amico Pettinicchi Injury Lawyers in Watertown.

“This was a young Marine with his entire future in front of him,” said Michael D’Amico. “In an instant, that future was taken away. The jury saw the full scope of his loss — not just what he’s endured, but what he’ll need to live with dignity, security, and proper care for the rest of his life. This verdict will help make that possible.”

The funds will help pay for lifelong medical care and provide compensation for lost wages and quality of life, according to Zemo’s attorneys, who said they believe it is the largest motorcycle injury verdict in Connecticut’s history.

The crash happened March 21, 2021 on Main Street in Oakville, a section of Watertown, according to the lawsuit, which Zemo filed in 2022.

Zemo was on his motorcycle traveling on Main Street, according to the lawsuit. It claims a Myhoopty.com LLC tow truck was illegally parked on the sidewalk and blocked the view of drivers exiting the business.

The lawsuit says a motorist in an SUV attempted to exit the towing business. When Zemo spotted the SUV, he tried to accelerate to get clear and avoid a collision, court documents show.

“Tragically, the SUV pulled out into his lane, cutting him off,” Zemo’s attorneys said, in announcing the verdict. “Zemo attempted to brake and swerve, but clipped the SUV’s bumper and was thrown from the motorcycle, suffering catastrophic injuries.”

The defense had asserted at trial that Zemo was speeding and could have avoided a crash if he had been traveling slower.

Attorney Mark A. Milano of Milano & Wanat LLC in Branford, which represented Myhoopty.com, said the firm generally doesn’t comment on verdicts, citing the likelihood of post verdict motions and any appeal.

“The verdict, while we disagree with it, reflects the jury's acknowledgment that this was a significant injury to a very nice young man,” Milano said.

Jurors determined the tow truck company Myhoopty.com was 65 percent at fault for the accident, and it apportioned 25 percent of blame on the SUV driver and 10 percent on Zemo.

The $45 million award includes $8.5 million in economic damages and $36.5 million in non-economic damages.