Louisiana Jury Awards $2,013,345 in Rear-End Collision

In January 2013, a vehicle operated by the plaintiff, a pharmacy technician, was rear-ended on Clearview Parkway in Metairie, Louisiana. The collision involved a vehicle driven by a defendant employee of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry. The defendant driver initially disputed liability, claiming the plaintiff suddenly changed lanes, while the plaintiff asserted she was waved forward before the impact. A trial court later directed a verdict on liability in favor of the plaintiff. Following the moderate collision, the plaintiff was transported to an emergency room by ambulance.

The plaintiff subsequently sought treatment for a C-6 disc herniation, involving two cervical repair surgeries and steroid injections. Medical and economic experts testified that the injury resulted in permanent disability from her job, outlining a life care plan and quantifying its financial impact. A biomechanics expert also discussed the forces of the crash. The plaintiff sought damages from both the defendant driver and his government employer. The defense disputed the extent of the claimed injury, presenting surveillance video of the plaintiff engaged in everyday activities.

The case proceeded to a four-day jury trial in Gretna, Louisiana. The jury awarded the plaintiff $520,875 for past medical expenses, $310,000 for future medical care, $55,828 for past lost wages, and $626,642 for future lost earning capacity. Additionally, the jury awarded $400,000 for physical suffering, $400,000 for mental anguish, and $200,000 for loss of enjoyment of life, resulting in a total raw verdict of $2,513,345. The court subsequently reduced the total award in the final judgment to $2,013,345 to comply with a statutory $500,000 cap on non-economic damages in cases against the government. The defendant employer later filed a motion for a new trial.