Verdicts & Settlements

Case name and number: Watts v. Turner and Albemarle Home Builders, Inc., case no. 06-CVS-39.

Description: The plaintiff was 63 years old on July 1, 2005. The defendant driver was a 16-year-old employee of a local construction company, had obtained his only license nine days earlier, and was driving a company truck on a company errand in Elizabeth City, N.C. The defendant driver drove out of a parking lot into oncoming traffic, causing a collision with the plaintiff, who was riding a motorcycle. Plaintiff suffered a shattered left tibia and fibia; a fractured right ankle; a fractured and completely dislocated and disrupted left thumb; a partial tear of his left rotator cuff; a through-and-through laceration to his right cheek; and other injuries. Plaintiff underwent two surgeries and incurred medical bills of $115,000. Plaintiff returned to work after six months and lost wages of $22,000. Plaintiff had impairment ratings of 31 percent to his left (non-dominant) thumb; 5 percent to his left shoulder; 9 percent for his right ankle; and 12 percent for his left leg. Plaintiff had worked as a Coast Guard helicopter mechanic for 40 years and was a very skilled mechanic, artist, craftsman, amateur archeologist, sailor, classical guitarist, and fitness fanatic. As a result of his injuries, the plaintiff is now significantly limited at his job and in his hobbies. Defense stipulated to liability and agency.

Best offer at mediation earlier this year was $350,000. Several days before trial the offer increased to $500,000. The day before trial the offer increased to $600,000 and then to $700,000 the first day of trial. The jury deliberated about 15 minutes and returned a verdict of $1.1 million dollars. Pre-judgment interest increases the recovery to almost $1.22 million.

Principal injuries alleged: Fractured tibia and fibia; fractured/dislocated thumb; ankle fracture; bilateral shoulder injuries.

Special damages: $137,000.

Tried or settled: Jury trial.

County where tried or settled: Pasquotank County Superior Court.

Date concluded: May 18, 2007

Name of judge: J. Richard Parker

Amount: $1.1 million

Insurance carrier: AutoOwners

Expert witnesses and areas of expertise: Not applicable.

Attorney for plaintiff: Danny Glover, Jr., and Keith Teague of Teague & Glover in Elizabeth City, N.C.

Submitted by: Danny Glover, Jr., plaintiff’s attorney.

Editor’s note: The information in Lawyers Weekly’s verdicts and settlements reports was submitted by the counsel for the prevailing party and represents the attorney’s characterization of the case.

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