Jury orders Shenango man over $15 million for the medical care of his brother

By Nancy Lowry, New Castle News

A $15.6 million award went to a Shenango Township man who was severely injured in a crash in 2003.

Announced Thursday, it is one of the largest jury awards in Lawrence County, according to the county prothonotary Helen Morgan.

Joyce and Dave Piper, parents of Steven, 20, sued their other son, Kyle, 22, for funds necessary to provide Steven’s medical care.

“We didn’t want to do this, but we had no option,” said attorney Dallas W. Hartman, who represented the family. “As Steven’s legal guardians, his parents have the responsibility to protect his rights.”

On Feb. 22, 2003, Steven, then 15, was a passenger in the car driven by his brother, Kyle, then 17. Kyle lost control of the car on icy Route 422. The car hit a steel pole and split in two on impact.

Kyle suffered minor injuries, while Steven sustained traumatic brain injury. He spent weeks in intensive care, months in rehabilitation and requires around-the-clock attention.

Although he is now 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs about 160 pounds, Steven functions at the level of a 3- to-5-year-old, Hartman said.

“He is very loving, very engaging in his way and has a good disposition,” Hartman said. “But he’s not going to change. That is why an award like this is important. It will have to take care of him for the rest of his life.”

Hartman expects Kyle’s attorneys will appeal the $15,602,612.79 award, the amount expert witnesses testified that Steven’s medical expenses will be.

Additional litigation has also been filled, he said.

“We knew the award would be big. It was no surprise,” said attorney Charles Garbett, who with attorney Daniel Soom represented Kyle. “I just don’t know how Kyle will come up with the money.”

Garbett said Kyle’s insurance company had paid the limit of the policy before he became involved.

“This was a difficult case that was essentially brother vs. brother,” he said.

If funds are received, the money will be placed in a court-monitored account controlled by the parents.

Garbett said he does not yet know if the verdict will be appealed.