Trial Magazine

Joao Junior’s car was stopped in a line of three vehicles when Sharon Graham rear-ended the last vehicle in the line. Junior, whose car was totaled, received treatment for cervical strain after the collision. He was diagnosed with a herniated disk in his neck and underwent surgery more than a year after the incident. Now 60, he continues to suffer pain.

Junior offered to resolve the case with Graham’s insurer, USAA, for policy limits of $100,000. The insurer initially offered $14,500, which Junior rejected. He sued Graham, alleging that she had caused the collision while under the influence of prescription and nonprescription drugs.  Suit did not claim past lost income. 

The jury awarded more than $4.97 million plus prejudgment interest and costs.

Citation: Junior v. Graham, No. 13EV017893G (Ga. St. Ct. Fulton Cnty. Aug. 8, 2019).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ member Ben C. Brodhead, AAJ member Ashley B. Fournet, AAJ member Holli L. Clark, and John W. Nichols, all of Atlanta.