Verdicts and Settlements
Verdicts and Settlements
Personal Injury: Car Wreck
The Plaintiff was traveling straight through an intersection and was struck by another vehicle turning into his path. Injury to the neck. We negotiated a settlement with the negligent driver for the policy limits of $100,000. The lawsuit was filed against the uninsured motorist’s insurance carrier. We negotiated a pre-trial settlement in mediation for $85,000. The total settlement was $185,000.
Personal Injury: Slip and Fall
The Plaintiff took a car to a local business for a service call. While walking across the floor, they slipped and fell injuring their lower back. The lawsuit was filed. We negotiated a pre-trial settlement in mediation for $70,000.
Landlord/Tenant
The Tenant wanted to extend the lease and claimed the lease gave her a right to do so. Litigation was filed. On behalf of the landlord, we filed a motion for summary judgment arguing that the lease did not include a renewal provision as claimed by the tenant. Trial court granted the landlord’s motion, finding no extension. The Tenant appealed to the Georgia Court of Appeals. The appellate court agreed with the trial court and affirmed a grant of summary judgment to our client, the landlord.
Zoning
Our client decided to build an addition to his existing office building. The tenant objected. Rezoning was sought and approved by Glynn County. The tenant appealed to the Superior Court of Glynn County, which granted motions to dismiss by the landlord/property owner and Glynn County. The tenant sought appellate review of both decisions in the Supreme Court of Georgia.
In a case of first impression, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the landlord/county and the process established new Georgia law. See Stuttering Foundation v. Glynn County, 301 Ga. 492 (2017). After the Supreme Court’s decision in Stuttering Foundation, it is clear that a short-term tenant does not have the substantial interest required to challenge a zoning decision. Our client proceeded with the addition to his office building.
Personal Injury: Slip and Fall
The Plaintiff drove to a local convenience store. She entered the store and bought a few items. While returning to her vehicle, she stepped off the sidewalk into a hole/indention in the parking lot. The parking lot did not have adequate lighting, and there were no markings identifying the hole/indention. The hole/indention had grass growing around the sides and trash/debris. As a result of stepping in the hole/indention, the Plaintiff broke her leg, which required a cast. When she fell, she landed on a previously surgically-repaired shoulder requiring additional surgery. Pre-suit settlement for policy limits of $300,000.
Other
1. Conversion, Fiduciary Duty, Georgia Civil RICO Act
Private southeast Georgia utility company made a claim against the estate and trust of their deceased VP, who had operated the system for several decades. The claim filed was for conversion, breach of fiduciary duty, and RICO. After discovery, the defendant had siphoned off and embezzled over $300,000 during a 16-year period and fraudulently induced the plaintiff to fund a bonus plan. The estate and trust paid $450,000 in settlement of claims stage prior to suit being filed.
2. Defamation
Case asserting claims for libel and slander, invasion of property, and emotional distress arising out of harassment, false accusations, etc. Bench trial conducted. Judgment in favor of Plaintiff in the following amounts.
Damages: $470,144.00
Attorney’s Fees/Expenses: $160,213.24
3. Personal Injury: Truck Collision
The Plaintiff and Defendant, both over-the-road truck drivers, were travelling southbound on I-95. Defendant had pulled tractor-trailer through median and from one lane of I-95 to the other and left trailer hanging out. Substantial crash and collision. Settled at mediation: $110,000
4. Personal Injury: DUI
The Plaintiff was stopped at traffic signal and rear-ended without warning. Defendant charged with DUI in causing accident. Injuries to neck and back. Settlement at mediation: $55,000
5. Personal Injury: DUI
The Plaintiff was struck while crossing an intersection with a green light. The defendant ran a red light and broad-sided the plaintiff. The defendant was charged with a DUI in causing an accident. Injuries sustained were to the neck and back. Settlement in mediation was $32,500.
6. Personal Injury: Van Passenger
The Plaintiff was a passenger in a van being transported to work. The collision was caused by another driver. They sustained injuries to the lower back and the left knee, requiring surgery to the left knee. Pre-trial settlement was $75,000.
7. Personal Injury: Rear-ended at Traffic Light
The Plaintiff was the 3rd vehicle in line at a stop light. They were struck from behind without warning. The driver was distracted by cell phone use. They sustained substantial injury to their back. Pre-trial settlement was for $100,000.
8. Toxic Inhalation of Cleaner
The Plaintiff inhaled a toxic dose of a bathroom cleanser while cleaning the bathroom in her home. This caused a chemically induced coma resulting in a lengthy hospital stay. This caused subsequent mental and physical injuries and disability. Pre-trial Settlement was $ 75,000.
9. Whistleblower and Wrongful Discharge Action
The Plaintiff was allegedly wrongfully discharged from their place of employment based on the reporting of alleged federal law violations. Pre-Trial Confidential Settlement.
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