Attorney Barber secured a favorable verdict in the matter of Wilbert Draughn, adm of Estate of Emma Draughn, v. Terrell Richie

In the spring of 2015, in the matter of Wilbert Draughn, adm of Estate of Emma Draughn, v. Terrell Richie, Attorney Barber secured a favorable verdict from a New Haven jury in a personal injury action following a heavy-impact intersection motor vehicle accident. The firm’s client admitted liability/responsibility for causing the accident, but there was a dispute concerning the extent of the injuries/damages claims. Attorney Barber successfully argued that the plaintiff’s damages should be limited to modest payment of medical billing and a modest amount for non-economic damages. The plaintiff’s prior uncompromising settlement demand was $60,000. The jury accepted the defense argument and awarded damages under $7,100.  This was a heavy impact accident wherein the plaintiff was transported from the scene of the accident to the hospital and then followed up with orthopedic care and physical therapy. The plaintiff died 32 days following the accident.  The surviving spouse pursued the claim on behalf of his deceased wife and pressed the claim that his wife passed away in part due to her accident injuries which included chest trauma, and breathing difficulty.  The jury did not accept that argument and awarded modest damages for the 32 days of pain and suffering and treatment following the accident. The jury was able to set aside tremendous sympathy for the plaintiff and appropriately award modest damages.