Attorney Memories from 2021

As we look towards a new year at Fuicelli & Lee, we find ourselves reflecting on the past 12 months. There’s a lot to be said about 2021, so we thought it would be nice to hear from our attorneys! Let’s take a look at some of their 2021 memories (both personally and professionally) to help you get to know them a little better.

What was your most memorable case in 2021?

Jess: I was recently able to obtain all available insurance coverage for a young woman who suffered a brain injury after a crash that manifested in severe psychological complaints.  She was let go from a job she loved after she stopped showing up for work and made some inappropriate comments to her boss shortly after the crash.  Her behavior after the crash was extremely out of character and she was mortified by it.  Thankfully she is doing so much better now!

Matthew: I was able to help a client who fell on ice, and suffered a nasty spiral fracture. We worked the case hard, and went from a no liability determination to a $250,000 settlement.

Lori: I had a trial during the pandemic with social distancing and masks. The courthouse was like a ghost town and everything was weird!  (Also, we got an excellent verdict!!)

John: My most memorable case was the trial I did with Lori back in May. We were against Fred Loya, and their last offer before trial was around $10,000. The client had almost $7,000 in medical bills, plus some expenses, so she was not interested in taking that. Lori and I took the case to trial in Jefferson County. The jury gave her all of her medical bills, and three times her medical bills for non-economics (pain and suffering). Plus, the defendant had to pay those expenses. It was a really fun, but simple trial, and we got a great result for our client. She was in tears after the jury returned its verdict.

Krislene: Kristine Macaluso in Federal court- newly appointed Judge Rodriguez’s first jury trial. it was a wonderful feeling to be back in court in person and be able to connect with jurors- without a mask! We were able to achieve justice for a very deserving client against State Farm.

What was your biggest accomplishment in 2021?

Jess: Helping my husband buy a building in Loveland to open a second location for his diesel truck repair shop. The loan process was no joke, I am pretty good with paperwork and I wanted to cry several times during the endeavor.  We finally closed over the summer and the new location is doing awesome!

Matthew: Joining F&L!

Lori: Rafting 80 miles with my family down Desolation Gray, all of our food, camp gear etc. with us to be self-sufficient for 6 days.

John: Finally settling a wrongful death claim from 2019. A wonderful family from Wheat Ridge lost their husband and father in a tragic accident. I was able to negotiate with the family of the other deceased man to maximize the amount of money his children would receive. Now his two boys have investment accounts that will allow them to go to college and buy their first home.

Krislene: Honestly, staying positive and encouraging others to do the same. I really don’t remember a time when it seemed like the entire world was in a state of crisis and bad things kept happening to good people. I am grateful to have amazing friends and family (both blood and work family) that made me laugh and gave me hope. I see 2021 as a year of a lot of lessons.

What are you looking forward to next year/in 2022?

Jess: I have 3 high-level trials set in 2022.  One of my cases involves a crash from 2010, in which my now 20-year-old client, who was only 9 years old at the time, suffered a permanent injury.  I can’t wait to show a jury how righteous all three of these cases are.

Matthew: Taking everything I’ve learned in my first year with the firm, to help all our clients in 2022.

Lori: Everything from trials at work, to travel with family!

John: I have several big cases scheduled for trial next year, so I am looking forward to seeing them through.

Krislene: I am really hoping that courts return to “business as usual” and we are able to try the cases that need to be tried. The pandemic has put a strain on the entire system but our clients have patiently waited for their day in court and I am really hopeful that 2022 is the year to get it done. Personally, I am really excited to be starting my 50th year around the sun- I have big fitness and personal goals that maybe I will share in future blogs! I look forward to each day as a new opportunity to live and learn!

What was the most memorable TV show or series you binged?

Jess: I don’t watch much binge-worthy tv, but I do enjoy a good true crime story.

Matthew: Ted Lasso

Lori: Tiger King, what else?

John: Dope Sick. It’s a docudrama about the opioid epidemic from several different angles. They really go after Perdue Pharma and all of the lies they told about OxyContin

Krislene: My family watched Schitt’s Creek together.  Getting your teens to hang out and watch TV with you at all is a major feat but we all had characters we could identify with (my daughter really IS Alexis) and each episode had all of us laughing out loud.  It was a great day to end the day.

Do you have a favorite superhero?

Jess: My favorite superhero is Pat Craig who founded the Wild Animal Sanctuary 41 years ago as a young man.   I was honored to meet him at a Founder’s day event this year at their new facility and he had a herd of 8 rescue dogs that just follow him around wherever he goes, no leash required.  The work he does is awe-inspiring.  He is a true life superhero in my book!

Matthew: Antman looks pretty cool.

Lori: ElastaGirl, because she’s a badass superhero AND a badass mom.

John: If I had to choose between Marvel and DC, it would be Marvel! Their movies and shows are so much more entertaining than DC, and they are family-friendly. From there, my favorite superhero would be Black Panther.

Krislene: Which one is Spiderman?  I like him!  I just took my son to see the new release and that was a fantastic movie.  I have never been much of a “super-hero” movie fan but maybe that is about to change!

Don’t worry, we didn’t forget to ask Keith! View his answers in the video below.

Choose Fuicelli & Lee

Thanks for reading some of our attorneys’ memories from 2021! Fuicelli & Lee’s attorneys and client-focused staff are dedicated to helping clients overcome serious legal problems. We represent individuals in multiple types of personal injury cases. Get to know our attorneys by viewing their profiles, or view our areas of practice to see if we can assist with your injury case. For any questions or to schedule a free case evaluation, please contact us today!