Fulton County Jury Awards $362,000 in Rear-End Collision

On February 18, 2016, a rear-end collision occurred on Mallory Road in Fulton County, Georgia, when a vehicle driven by an employee of an apartment complex struck another vehicle. The plaintiff sustained serious injuries, including head, neck, shoulder, and back trauma, which required spine surgery and resulted in significant medical expenses.

The plaintiff filed a lawsuit against the driver and the apartment complex, alleging the driver's negligence in operating the vehicle and negligent per se for following too closely in violation of state law. The plaintiff further claimed the apartment complex was directly and vicariously liable, asserting negligent hiring, supervision, training, retention, and entrustment of driving responsibilities to its employee. The defendants denied liability, arguing improper venue, potentially defective service of process, and that the apartment complex did not breach any legal duty. They also contended the claim was barred by a limited liability release and that the plaintiff's injuries stemmed from unrelated intervening events.

After discovery and attempts at mediation, the case proceeded to trial. On September 11, 2019, a jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff. The court entered judgment the following day, awarding $362,000 in general damages against both the driver and the apartment complex. The jury's decision affirmed the plaintiff's claims regarding the defendants' liability for the collision and the resulting injuries.