National Verdicts

Plaintiff(s):

Jennifer Bailey (Female, 40 Years)

Plaintiff Attorney(s):

Michael J. King;
Law Office of Michael J. King;
Columbus,
OH,
for
Jennifer Bailey

Defendant(s):

Jerry L. Bailey

Defense Attorney(s):

None reported;

for
Jerry L. Bailey

On Aug. 31, 2013, plaintiff Jennifer Bailey, 40, an elementary school teacher, returned home after attending a local festival with several of her friends. Jennifer Bailey alleged that her husband, Jerry Bailey, was home in an agitated and volatile state. Ms. Bailey alleged she was battered by Mr. Bailey on this occasion. She was treated at a local emergency room for injuries that included a fractured cheekbone, blackened eyes, cuts, bruises, pain and swelling to the face. Ms. Bailey sued her husband, alleging she was a victim of domestic abuse. She asserted claims of assault and battery, false imprisonment and intentional infliction of serious emotional distress. According to Ms. Bailey, who is 5’4", her husband, who is 6 feet tall and weighs 240 pounds, confronted her in an aggressive manner on the date in question, grabbing and pushing her in a manner which alarmed her and immediately caused her to feel unsafe. She alleged her husband took her car keys and cell phone and prevented her from leaving the home. She claimed she attempted to escape the home through the garage, at which point her husband grabbed her and placed her in a headlock, and repeatedly and maliciously struck her in the face with his fist and knee. Ms. Bailey alleged she managed to flee from the home, running and screaming for help while her husband fled the home. The following day, Jerry L. Bailey was charged in Franklin County Municipal Court with assault and domestic violence. Jerry L. Bailey subsequently entered a guilty plea to domestic violence. He was sentenced to 180 days in jail and placed on community control of two years. Ms. Bailey subsequently filed for a divorce from her husband. The court ruled in October 2015 that Ms. Bailey was entitled to civil damages for the domestic violence she endured. Mr. Bailey was not represented by an attorney and was not present at the damages trial.

Jennifer Bailey claimed physical injuries, in addition to emotional distress and anxiety. She claimed when she returns home for brief periods to retrieve personal items, she suffers extreme anxiety, fear and distress. She claimed she almost always experiences nightmares after those brief visits. Ms. Bailey alleged she was afraid to return to her home after the assault and battery and has lived with her mom and stepdad ever since. Ms. Bailey claimed she has incurred significant medical and emotional counseling expenses. She also alleged loss of wages due to significant lost time from her teaching job. She sought to recover damages for past and future medical expenses; past and future loss of earnings; and past and future pain and suffering.

The jury determined that Jennifer Bailey’s damages totaled $21 million.

Judge:

Julie Lynch

Trial Length:

2
 days

Trial Deliberations:

2
 hours

This report is based on information gleaned from court documents and an article published by The Columbus Dispatch. Plaintiff’s counsel did not respond to the reporter’s phone calls. Defendant was not represented by counsel and was not asked to contribute to the report.