From The Georgia Trial Reporter

Sleepy Driver Triggers Multiple Vehicle Collision

Donald Kilgore claimed a significant shoulder injury following a collision. He underwent surgery to repair a rotator cuff tear, but claimed future shoulder surgery was likely. The accident occurred as Kilgore was driving his vehicle on a Georgia thoroughfare. Patricia McCabe, who fell asleep while driving, crossed the center line of travel and struck Kilgore's vehicle head-on. Kilgore was then struck from behind by Shelby Haynes' vehicle. Kilgore filed this lawsuit against both McCabe and Haynes to recoup damages for injuries sustained in what Kilgore described as a significant impact collision. In addition to the rotator cuff injury, he claimed soft tissue neck and back injuries. The defendants disputed the extent of the damages sought by Kilgore, but the parties were able to reach a $308,000 pretrial settlement.

Kilgore v. McCabe
DeKalb County, State Court

Lawsuit Triggered by Death of Housekeeper's Husband Settles

Dale Darnell's wife worked as a housekeeper for Raymond Wooldridge. Darnell and his wife had lived at Wooldridge's home for 15 years. They initially occupied the entire basement, which included an exterior door and eight windows, but their living quarters were reduced to a 200-square-foot apartment, which did not have a window or an outside door. The reduction in living space occurred when Wooldridge decided to construct a personal gym in the basement area. Darnell was killed when a fire erupted in the basement. He was trapped in the apartment and first responders were unable to reach him. He died from carbon monoxide toxicity and thermal injuries. The plaintiff alleged that the lack of an exterior door and window in sleeping quarters violated building codes, as did the placement of a potentially flammable furnace closet in the apartment. Wooldridge disputed liability and damages, but ultimately agreed to pay a $1M settlement.

VIEW THE FULL CASE Darnell v. Wooldridge
Fulton County, State Court

Teens' Halloween Prank Leads to Single-Vehicle Accident

Takiya Gresham, age 16, was a passenger in a vehicle driven by her 16-year-old friend, Jennifer Nguyen, on Halloween eve. There were two other girls in the vehicle at the time, one of whom had brought eggs along. The girls saw several boys with whom they were acquainted and decided to "egg" the boys' truck. Nguyen parked the car, while Gresham and the other two girls walked to the truck. The girls threw eggs at the truck and then ran back to Nguyen's car. Nguyen and her passengers drove off, with the boys pursuing them. Nguyen lost control of her vehicle and struck a tree. Gresham reportedly suffered neck and back injuries, as well as a laceration on the side of her nose. She underwent revision surgery, but claimed permanent scarring and discoloration as a result of the injury. She agreed to settle her lawsuit against Nguyen for $26,000.

VIEW THE FULL CASE Gresham v. Nguyen
Fayette County, State Court