MILFORD, Conn. -- On the eve of what would have been her 23rd birthday, the estate of Ashlie M. Krakowski, 19, killed three years ago in a car crash involving then-police Officer Jason Anderson, was awarded $4 million in a wrongful death suit.
The settlement names the city and Anderson, who was subsequently fired. It was filed this month by New Haven lawyer John F. Wynne Jr. for Kenneth Krakowski, Ashlie's father.
Ashlie Krakowski was a passenger in a car driven by David P. Servin, 19, who was also killed. Both lived in Orange. David Servin's estate in March accepted a $2.5 million civil settlement from the city.
The Krakowski family could not be reached for comment Wednesday night.
Wynne, of Buckley & Wynne, said Wednesday evening, "It's a tragedy. Everybody knows that.
"This Friday would have been Ashlie's 23rd birthday," Wynne said. "She was a beautiful, young, vibrant women who was studying to be a nurse. She always looked to help people and that's the way she should be remembered."
Susan Servin, by email, said Wednesday evening, "No amount of money can make up for the loss of our children. I am glad the Krakowskis have this part behind them. May David and Ashlie rest in peace."
The Krakowski settlement was approved Monday by Probate Judge Beverly Streit-Kefalas and provides the following:
--$3.5 million from Anderson and the city, through its insurance carrier, Connecticut Interlocal Risk Management Agency.
--$500,000 from Frank and Susan Servin, administrators of their son's estate, through the Allstate Insurance and Progressive Casualty.
After expenses, including $1.19 million for legal fees, the estate net is $2.8 million.
Anderson was going 94 mph at 2:15 a.m. June 13, 2009, on the Boston Post Road in Orange when his cruiser hit and killed Servin and Krakowski. He was not answering an emergency call.
Anderson, 37, was found guilty at trial Nov. 7 in Superior Court of two counts of misconduct with a motor vehicle and one charge of reckless driving.
Servin's blood alcohol concentration was seven times over the legal limit as he tried to turn onto Dogwood Road.
The city's attorney, James N. Tallberg of Karsten & Tallberg, West Hartford, on Wednesday said, "There are no winners in this case, but the settlement should bring some closure to this tragedy."
Anderson is free on $250,000 bail and faces up to 10 years in prison at sentencing Jan. 16.
His attorney, Hugh F. Keefe of Lynch, Traub, Keefe & Errante, New Haven, declined to comment Wednesday.
Keefe recently filed a 10-page motion to set aside the verdict.
State's Attorney Kevin D. Lawlor, who prosecuted the case, has previously said he would be seeking prison time for Anderson.
Copyright 2012 - New Haven Register, Conn.
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
