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The law firm of van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin recently secured a significant victory in Schuylkill County, with Attorneys Bruce Castor and Kaitlin McCaffrey playing key roles in a Damages Assessment Hearing that resulted in an $8.5 million judgment for the victims of a violent crime.
On January 7th, before Judge Goodman, the firm represented the victims and their families in a hearing following the conviction of Santonio Malone for first-degree murder. Malone shot and killed Juan Carlos Romero, grievously injured Alorfi Ramiez, and traumautized Tristin Wolfe during an altercation outside of a nightclub. Malone was sentenced to life plus in prison. The court’s decision awarded the following damages:
- Estate of Juan Carlos Romero: $1,734,000
- Altagracia Romero (survivorship action): $1,645,000
- Alorfi Ramirez (injured-paralyzed waist down): $5,000,000
- Tristin Wolfe (emotional damages): $150,000
Total Damages: $8,529,000
The case was presented with detailed evidence, including testimony from the surviving victims and written impact statements. Judge Goodman reviewed the evidence carefully, including wage loss calculations and pain and suffering values adjusted for inflation. He also considered various settlements and verdicts with similar facts to determine fair compensation.
Attorney Castor, with extensive experience in prosecuting homicide cases, was supported by Kaitlin McCaffery in preparing the case.
A History of Success
This case follows another recent success for the firm in 2023, when they secured an $11 million settlement for the victims of a shooting involving three Delaware County police officers. The officers, who had fired at a moving vehicle under the mistaken belief it contained fleeing suspects, were convicted of recklessly endangering others. The shooting resulted in the death of 8-year-old Fanta Bility. A Memorial Park will be opened in her honor, and the firm has been invited to attend.
Committed to Victims’ Rights
The outcomes in both cases reflect the firm’s strong track record in both criminal and civil law. With over two decades of experience in homicide prosecution and years of experience in personal injury law, the attorneys at van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin are well-equipped to represent victims of violent crime in both criminal and civil courts.
By combining their legal expertise with a commitment to supporting victims and their families, the firm continues to advocate for those who have suffered significant harm.
Let van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin in Philadephia Help You Pursue Justice
If your loved one was the victim of violence, contact van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin. We are here to help you through this challenging time and pursue justice for your loved one. Call us today at (215) 610-3440 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.
