Oestreicher wins $1.5 million case against Ambulance Manufacturer
A federal court jury awarded a former New Orleans paramedic more than $1.5 million in damages this week for injuries he sustained while treating a gunshot victim in the back of an ambulance. The jury found the ambulance manufacturer, Medtec Ambulance Corp., knowingly designed a dangerous ambulance bench seat that caused paramedic Ryan Earls’ injuries in December 2010.
Earls, 26 at the time, was in the rear of the ambulance working on the patient when the truck hit a bump in the road. The faulty seat collapsed and Earls was sent sprawling, said his attorney, David Oestreicher. Earls wrenched his back, and he had to be removed from the ambulance at the hospital, Oestreicher said.
The jury’s award to Earls included $200,000 for his loss of future wages and benefits, $600,000 in medical expenses and $700,000 for his pain and suffering.
The five-day trial took place in U.S. District Judge Ivan Lemelle’s courtroom.
David and Tiffany Oestreicher were recently recognized by the National World War II Museum as members of the WWII Museum’s Honor Roll. This recognition is bestowed on members of the organization who have made significant contributions to the museum, and who have helped further its mission. The certificate is shown below. Click here to view…
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After the 2004 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival lost money, there was talk of slashing the next year’s budget. But longtime Fest producer Quint Davis’ new partners at AEG Live advocated for the opposite strategy. They said you can’t cut your way out of this. “This” refers to financial straits Jazz Fest found itself in, and…
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David W. Oestreicher, was elected to serve on the Board of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation, and rose ultimately, to the position of President in 2005 – 2006. Oestreicher actually finished the term of previous board president, Fire Chief Warren McDaniels who stepped down due to his battle with cancer in…
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