PRESTONSBURG - Stephanie Vanderpool, an employee of Martin Dairy Queen when she was injured in a coal truck crash in March, had her lawsuit for damages settled at Mediation in Lexington on Monday for an undisclosed amount.
Vanderpool's case against Wilford Lawson, Jr. and Lawson Drilling & Trucking Company of Paintsville, was filed by Ashley Tackett Laferty of Kirk & Crum, PLLC on May 25, 2009. According to the complaint filed in the Floyd Circuit Court, the defendant, Lawson, was operating an empty coal-truck south on US 23 when he "ran" a red light at Allen and crashed in to a vehicle operated by Vanderpool who, according to the complaint, received significant injuries.
According to the complaint, Vanderpool's injuries have required surgery and significant medical treatment. "Stephanie received serious and permanent injuries and has not been able to work since the crash," her attorney Ashley Laferty said. "It is very fortunate that she survived a crash with a big coal truck. Her medical bills continue to be substantial."
Terms of the settlement were not disclosed. "We cannot reveal the amount of settlement." John C. Kirk said, "but I can tell you that the right and just thing was done for this young mother."