Trial News

Patrol officer David Justice, 46, went to the scene of a traffic collision on a highway. While he was sitting in his SUV directing traffic around the crash site, a Greyhound bus driven by J.L. Robinson rear-ended him at 68 mph. Justice suffered fractured ribs, a punctured lung, and spinal fractures. He has required physical therapy and other treatment and continues to suffer from pain and physical limitations. He had earned $60,000 annually but has not returned to work. His workers’ compensation lien was approximately $315,000.

Justice and his wife sued Greyhound Lines, Inc., alleging vicarious liability for Robinson’s failure to travel at a safe speed in wet conditions. Suit also alleged that Robinson was driving more than three hours beyond the 70-hour legal limit during an eight-day period and was operating the bus on cruise control at the time of the incident.

The jury awarded $7 million.

Citation: Justice v. Greyhound Lines, Inc., No. 5:16-cv-132 (E.D.N.C. Jan. 8, 2019).

Plaintiff counsel: Gary Hemric, Jennifer Houti, and J. Alex Heroy, all of Charlotte, N.C.