Newport, KY Jury Awards $110,275 in Left Turn Collision

A collision occurred on U.S. 27 (Alexandria Pike) at Creektrace Drive in Newport, Kentucky, on the afternoon of November 13, 2018. The plaintiff was traveling on U.S. 27 with a green light when the defendant, approaching from the opposite direction, attempted a left turn onto Creektrace Drive. The defendant, who reportedly saw the light for her turning yellow and approaching traffic slowing, turned directly into the path of the plaintiff's vehicle, resulting in a moderate impact. The defendant later admitted fault for the collision.

The plaintiff sustained a bruised rib and chest, along with a broken wrist. The wrist was splinted in the emergency room, and two weeks later, the plaintiff underwent surgery by an orthopedic surgeon, who inserted hardware to repair the fracture. Despite the surgical intervention, the plaintiff reported permanent wrist pain and a clicking sensation. The plaintiff also sought chiropractic treatment for soft-tissue injuries. Medical bills totaled $43,875, and the plaintiff claimed $10,262 in lost wages.

The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit seeking damages from the defendant, including special damages for medical expenses and lost wages, as well as past and future pain and suffering. The defendant's defense minimized the extent of the claimed injury, noting that the plaintiff had returned to work within two months of the incident and identifying an independent medical examination expert.

The case proceeded to a two-day jury trial in Newport, where the jury considered only the issue of damages, given the admitted fault. The jury awarded the plaintiff the full $43,875 for medical bills and $6,400 for lost wages. Additionally, the jury awarded $40,000 for past pain and suffering and $20,000 for future pain and suffering, resulting in a total verdict of $110,275 for the plaintiff. The pain and suffering award represented a multiplier of 1.36 relative to medical bills. A judgment for the plaintiff, less any personal injury protection (PIP) offsets, was expected.