New Orleans Jury Awards $1,241,773 in Rear-End Collision

A plaintiff suffered a severe traumatic brain injury and permanent disability after a rear-end collision in New Orleans on February 5, 2011. The plaintiff, stopped at a red light, was struck by a truck driven by a defendant who later pleaded guilty to a fourth offense DWI. The plaintiff filed a lawsuit against the driver for negligence and against Ford Motor Company, alleging a defectively designed driver's seat in the 2005 Ford Focus contributed to the severe injuries.

The plaintiff argued the seat's inadequate strength caused the permanent disability, claiming a stronger design would have prevented severe injuries in an impact estimated at 36-44 mph, and sought substantial damages primarily from Ford. Ford countered that the crash was exceptionally severe, with an expert estimating impact at 50-60 mph, exceeding 97.7% of rear-end collisions. Ford defended its seat design as safe, arguing a more rigid design could pose other risks, and disputed the plaintiff's high damage claims.

After a two-week trial in New Orleans, the jury exonerated Ford Motor Company, finding the Ford Focus was not unreasonably dangerous. The jury concluded the defendant driver was negligent and 100% at fault for the plaintiff's injuries. The plaintiff was awarded $441,773 for past medical expenses, $300,000 for future medical expenses, and $500,000 for various non-economic damages, totaling $1,241,773. A judgment was entered against the defendant driver.