Mariya Plekan, a 59-year old immigrant from Ukraine, was awarded a large sum of $95.6 million dollars in 2017 after a botched building demolition resulted in fatalities and severe injuries.
What Happened?
The collapse, caused by a negligent architect and inexperienced demolition team, resulted in the deaths of 7 people as well as a dozen serious injuries. The accident occurred when a weakened wall collapsed into a neighboring building which housed The Salvation Army when the demolition team was tearing down the structure.
Ms. Plekan was trapped in the rubble of the collapsed building for 13 hours before she was rescued. Her injuries required the amputation of her legs and part of her lower torso. She endured over 30 surgeries during her recovery, and required intense, daily care for the rest of her life.
Numerous parties were found responsible for the resulting collapse, with a total injury settlement of $227 million being awarded to victims of the collapse. Mariya Plekan was awarded the largest percentage, a sum of $95.6 million. Her injuries included the loss of her legs and lower torso, kidney and lung damage, and permanent voice loss. She required intensive medical treatments and a permanent caretaker for the rest of her life, but the financial settlement gave her the ability to move out of a nursing care facility and into her home with her family.
What To Do if You Have a Personal Injury Situation
Although most personal injury settlements are not as large as this one (which was the record for an injury settlement in Pennsylvania), if you, or a loved one, has been injured, disabled, or killed due to the negligence of another, you might also be entitled to compensation. In cases such as these, compensation is intended to cover medical bills and long-term care (if needed), as well as compensation for the loss of freedom and enjoyment in your life directly resulting from the accident. Talking to a personal injury lawyer in your area is the best way for you to learn more about your rights and what you would need to do to pursue a claim.
According to records, her treatment costs had already exceeded $10,000,000 as of 2017. Sadly, Ms. Plekan passed away in 2021 due to complications from COVID-19.