Athens Jury Finds Negligence in Red-Light Collision, Awards $20,990.37

A plaintiff filed a negligence claim in Athens on August 28, 2018, following a motor vehicle collision. The plaintiff alleged the defendant failed to maintain a proper lookout and disregarded a red light, which resulted in the defendant pulling into the plaintiff's lane and causing the collision. Responding police officers issued the defendant a citation for failing to obey a traffic control device. The plaintiff claimed to have suffered bodily injuries and sought damages for past and future medical expenses, mental and physical pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

The defendant responded on October 2, 2018, asserting that the complaint failed to state a claim upon which relief could be granted, that any injuries were not proximately caused by the defendant's actions, and that the plaintiff's failure to specifically state special damages sought barred their recovery. During pretrial proceedings, the court granted a motion to compel discovery from Athens Orthopedic Clinic.

The case proceeded to trial. On August 13, 2019, a jury found in favor of the plaintiff on the negligence claim. The jury awarded the plaintiff $20,745.37 in damages. The court later added $245.00 for court costs, resulting in a total judgment of $20,990.37 against the defendant. A final judgment was entered for the plaintiff on September 6, 2019.