Case Background
The legal proceedings began when Janeen Duarte initiated a civil lawsuit against Rivera's Landscaping LLC and Mario Alberto Estrada-Macias in the Superior Court of the Judicial District of Stamford/Norwalk. The case, centered on events that occurred in July 2021. At the time the action commenced, Duarte resided in Darien, Connecticut, while Estrada-Macias lived in Norwalk. Rivera's Landscaping LLC was recognized as a business entity organized under Connecticut law. The Court set an initial return date of July 18, 2023, to move the litigation forward.
Cause
The dispute arose from a two-vehicle collision on July 21, 2021, at approximately 1:59 p.m. on Danbury Road in Wilton, Connecticut. Duarte had been traveling southbound and brought her vehicle to a stop in the left lane as she waited to turn into a Shell gas station. While she was stationary, Estrada-Macias, who was driving a vehicle owned by Rivera's Landscaping LLC, also traveled southbound on the same road. The accident occurred when the vehicle operated by Estrada-Macias struck Duarte's car from behind. Duarte alleged that the crash resulted from the driver's negligence, specifically citing his failure to keep a proper lookout, his failure to apply brakes adequately, and his violation of state laws regarding following too closely.
Injury
As a direct result of the rear-end impact, Duarte's head struck the headrest of her driver's seat. This physical trauma led to several documented medical issues, including cervical and lumbar sprains and strains. The collision reportedly worsened existing spinal conditions, such as a disc osteophyte complex at the C3-4 level and changes at the C5-6 level, which caused narrowing in the spinal canal and nerve pathways. Furthermore, Duarte suffered from painful muscle trigger points in her neck and shoulders, alongside emotional distress and a persistent fear of long-term disability.
Damages Sought
Duarte sought financial recovery for the extensive losses she incurred following the incident. Her claims for compensation included the cost of hospital visits, physician services, physical therapy, and various medications. Beyond medical bills, she sought to recover lost wages and addressed a decrease in her future earning capacity. She also claimed that the injuries stripped her of the ability to enjoy her usual leisure activities. In her formal demand to the Court, the Plaintiff stated that the total damages she sought were in excess of $15,000.00.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Legal Representation
Plaintiff(s): Janeen Duarte.
Counsel for Plaintiff(s): Stewart M. Casper, Esq.
Experts for Plaintiff(s): Andrew C. Barlow | Mitchell Gilbertie | Michael Giambrone | Steve Melchionno | Howard S. Liu | Michael Moi | Gary Solomon
Defendant(s): Rivera's Landscaping LLC | Mario Alberto Estrada-Macias.
Counsel for Defendant(s): Ryan C. Ing, Esq.
Experts for Defendant(s): Jarob N. Mushaweh
Key Arguments or Remarks by Counsel
Claims
The Plaintiff’s legal team argued that the collision was a clear-cut case of operator negligence. They contended that Estrada-Macias failed to maintain control of his vehicle and did not pay sufficient attention to the road conditions ahead of him. Because the driver worked as an agent or employee of Rivera’s Landscaping LLC during the time of the crash, the Plaintiff asserted that the company was vicariously liable for his actions and the resulting damages.
Defense
The Defendants took a multifaceted approach to the lawsuit. While they admitted that Estrada-Macias was involved in an accident at the specified time and place, they denied the specific claims of negligence and carelessness. For many of the Plaintiff's assertions regarding her injuries and financial losses, the defense maintained that they lacked sufficient information to confirm the details, effectively requiring Duarte to prove every aspect of her claim to the jury.
Jury Verdict
The trial concluded in early 2026, and the jury reached its final decision on January 28, 2026. Despite the detailed allegations of negligence and injury provided by the Plaintiff, the jury found in favor of the Defendants. The official verdict form, signed by Jury Foreperson Anthony Antle, stated that the jury ruled for Rivera’s Landscaping LLC and Mario A. Estrada-Macias on all issues. Judge Bothwell accepted the verdict at 11:06 a.m., bringing the case to a close without any award of damages to the Plaintiff.
