Carwash Victim’s Family Awarded $7.5 Million

TAMPA, Fla. -- The family of a woman who died after being hit by an SUV at a carwash was awarded $7.5 million in compensatory damages Friday in the lawsuit against the business.

Brenda Lee Brown, 43, died of head injuries after the crash in 2005 at Town 'N County Car Wash. Her 18-month-old son, who she was pushing in a stroller at the time, survived.

Her husband, Mac Brown, was awarded $2.5 million and her son got $5 million. The award was added to the $92,000 the car wash already agreed to pay for documented financial damages, The Tampa Tribune reported. Mac Brown declined to seek any punitive damages. In its verdict, the jury said punitive damages were warranted in the case.

"The jury has spoken and justice has been done," said Steve Yerrid, Brown's attorney. "Mr. Brown believes forgiveness is a virtue. ... He believes enough pain has been inflicted."

Thomas Lyons was the owner of the carwash at the time of the crash, but sold it four months ago.

"I would hope that this award for Mr. Brown is going to give him some closure," Lyons said. "My wife and I have already extended our condolences for him."

Sheriff's deputies said Brown and her baby were walking to her washed vehicle when a carwash worker drove an Isuzu Rodeo out of another bay, knocking her onto the vehicle's hood and then the ground. The stroller fell on its side and the baby boy strapped inside wasn't injured.

No charges were filed against the carwash employee, Densil Blake, 50, who officials said has a clean employment record.

Source: Herald Tribune

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