Haley Shook: Woman Crosses Street & Receives $425,000 — Why?

Haley Shook has received an approximate $425,000 award after crossing a street near the Carlsbad/Vista area in California. But why?

Well, long story short, she was hit by a truck. This has been part of an ongoing dispute between Shook and American Reprographics, LLC. This company has been around for at least 20 years, according to the official website. It states as follows.

“As a full-service digital reprographics company, American Reprographics has been serving the industry on demand for over 20 years. Our aim is total customer satisfaction through fast turnaround of each job with the highest possible quality and competitive pricing. Our professional staff is ready to provide you an excellent service.”

In 2011, when Haley was but 19 years of age, a company driver attempted to avoid her as she crossed the street and failed.

After hitting Shook, the truck driver admitted fault in the accident. However, the litigation had gone on for four years — well, until now. Haley Shook, 23, has won her case after a three-day trial at San Diego County Superior Court, in Vista, California.

While in the courtroom, Haley’s attorney described the scene as follows.

“Although the driver hit his brakes, he could not stop in time to avoid hitting our client. She jumped in the air to try to avoid the impact, landing on her right foot, breaking two bones. Following impact, she fell to the street, and shortly thereafter required foot surgery. Although the crash happened in 2011, she has continued to experience chronic pain in her foot.”

The foot is more complex than one may realize. The University of Maryland outlines its importance in a detailed brief.

“The foot is a complex structure of 26 bones and 33 joints, layered with an intertwining web of more than 120 muscles, ligaments, and nerves.”

So, as depicted, Haley Shook broke two of those 26 bones, which also affected connecting muscles, ligaments and nerves.

According to NBC News, the woman won the lawsuit for a little over the aforementioned sum.

“Shook was awarded $425,741.67 for her medical expenses, general damages for pain, [and] loss of quality and enjoyment of life.”

Hopefully, Haley will be able to gain a little quality back with the aid of her award.

What do you think about the incident? Do you think Shook received enough for her experience?

Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.

[Photo Credit: Phil Walter / Getty Images Sport]