Plaintiff awarded $3,315 in admitted liability case
Facts: HCF represented Columbia National Insurance Company as an underinsured motorist carrier in this case. The plaintiff (who was an employee of Columbia’s policyholder) was rear-ended by Defendant Hutcheson at an intersection in Milledgeville, GA. Negligence was admitted.
Alleged injury/damages: Plaintiff claimed injuries to his neck, back, shoulders and knee. Plaintiff underwent knee surgery for a torn meniscus. However, it was apparent from the evidence that the knee injury was not caused by the accident. Plaintiff claimed total medical expenses of $14,938 and lost income of $2,310.
Last offer/Last demand: Plaintiff demanded $110,000 at trial. Defendant’s liability insurer tendered its $25,000 limits, but this tender was never accepted by Plaintiff. Columbia made no offers of settlement.
Result: $3,315 verdict
Court: Superior Court of Wilkinson County, Georgia
Attorneys: Johnny Mitchell for Defendant acted as lead counsel at trial; Richie Foster and Pamela Lee for Columbia; Malcolm Lindley and Sam Rumph of Lindley & Powell for Plaintiff.