How Breanna Rassbeharry Overcame a Life-Altering Pedestrian Accident and Won $1.75M With Ferrante & Koenig

A dedicated nursing student’s future was derailed by a reckless driver—Ferrante & Koenig fought for justice, securing $1.75 million to help her rebuild.

A Promising Future, Shattered in an Instant

Breanna Rassbeharry was just 17 years old, a dedicated nursing student on her way to class, when her life changed in an instant. As she crossed the street in a marked crosswalk, a driver made an illegal left turn and struck her, sending her to the pavement. The impact was severe, leaving Breanna with a head injury, debilitating joint pain, and damage to her neck and shoulder that would later require two major surgeries.

I had a whole plan for myself, Breanna recalls.
I was so focused on my goals, and then this just threw a wrench in everything.

The accident forced her to step away from her studies, delaying the future she had worked so hard to build.

 

Facts of the Case

Date of Accident

October 25, 2018

What Happened

While crossing the street in a marked crosswalk on her way to class, Breanna was struck by a driver making an illegal left turn. The impact threw her to the ground, leaving her with serious injuries.

Injuries Suffered

  • Traumatic head injury with severe swelling
  • Whiplash and joint pain
  • Torn shoulder requiring surgery
  • Cervical spine damage requiring fusion surgery
  • Loss of mobility in the neck and shoulder, impacting her ability to drive and perform daily tasks

Settlement Amount

$1,750,000

A Long and Painful Recovery

Breanna’s injuries were extensive. She suffered severe whiplash, joint pain, and a traumatic head injury that left her unable to attend school for weeks. As time passed, her condition worsened—she lost mobility in her left shoulder and struggled to turn her head, making simple tasks like driving impossible.
She underwent years of physical therapy, hoping to avoid surgery. But despite all efforts, the pain persisted. Eventually, Breanna faced two major procedures: shoulder surgery to repair a severe tear, followed by a cervical fusion surgery to restore movement and alleviate pain.
“I tried everything possible to improve my quality of life without surgery,” she says. “But in the end, it was my only option.”

A Trusted Advocate in a Time of Uncertainty

Legal action wasn’t the first thing on Breanna’s mind. But as medical bills piled up and her education was derailed, her mother’s manager recommended she speak with an attorney. That’s when she met Anthony Ferrante.
“At first, I was hesitant,” Breanna admits.

I didn’t know if I wanted to go through the process But from our first meeting, Anthony made it clear that my health and well-being came first. He wasn’t just about the case—he was about helping me get better.

Anthony and his team guided Breanna through every step of the legal process, ensuring she had access to the medical care she needed while building a strong case against the City of New York. They kept her informed, reassured her when she felt overwhelmed, and made sure she never felt like just another client.

When Anthony left his previous law firm to start Ferrante & Koenig, he made a point to take Breanna’s case with him. “That meant so much to me,” she says. “He had so many cases, and he chose to see mine through to the end.”

A Hard-Fought Victory

The legal battle stretched over four years, delayed even further by the COVID-19 pandemic. But Ferrante & Koenig never wavered in their commitment to securing justice for Breanna.
In May 2021, the court ruled that the City of New York was 100% responsible for the accident. From there, Anthony and his team worked relentlessly to ensure Breanna received fair compensation for her suffering.
Finally, in December 2022, the case was settled for $1.75 million.

Settlement Timeline

October 25, 2018
Breanna was struck by a left-turning vehicle while crossing in a designated crosswalk.
December 21, 2018
Filed Notice of Claim against the City of New York.
March 19, 2019
Underwent shoulder surgery to repair a severe tear.
December 19, 2019
First recommendation for cervical (neck) surgery after continued mobility issues.
January 29, 2020
Obtained witness affidavit supporting Breanna’s account of the accident.
May 18, 2021
Summary judgment granted, determining that the City of New York was 100% liable for the accident.
June 23, 2021
Breanna underwent cervical fusion surgery to restore movement in her neck and alleviate pain.
October 20, 2021
Breanna provided deposition testimony detailing her injuries and their impact on her life.
May 19, 2022
Served expert medical opinion outlining future medical costs and long-term effects of her injuries.
December 27, 2022
Case settled for $1,750,000, providing Breanna with the financial resources to secure her future.

A Life Changed, A Future Reclaimed.

When she heard the news, Breanna was in disbelief. “It had been such a long journey—I almost couldn’t believe it was over,” she says.  “But I was relieved. There was finally a light at the end of the tunnel.”

The settlement not only provided financial security but also gave Breanna the ability to focus on her future. Now, at 25 years old and a health practitioner herself, she is back on track toward her goals, a journey made possible in part by the unwavering support of Ferrante & Koenig.

“I Owe Him So Much”

Looking back, Breanna says she can’t imagine having gone through this process without Anthony and his team.

“If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” she says. “He fought for me, made sure I got the right medical care, and never gave up. I owe him so many things that I don’t think I’ll ever be able to repay in this lifetime.”

For others facing a similar situation, Breanna has one piece of advice: “It’s okay to be scared—but don’t let that stop you from trying. The reward is greater than the fear.”

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