Melissa Miley, 33, was driving down a two-lane roadway when her car was rear-ended by a vehicle driven by William Bond. Although it was a low-speed collision, Miley suffered permanent cervical facet joint injuries. Her pain cannot be treated surgically, so she must receive periodic injections to manage it for the rest of her life. Her past medical expenses totaled about $65,000.
Miley sued Bond, alleging he failed to maintain control of his vehicle and keep a proper lookout. The plaintiff did not claim lost income.
The jury awarded $650,000.
Citation: Miley v. State Farm, No. 530,937 (La., East Baton Rouge Parish Jud. Dist. Sept. 30, 2010).
Plaintiff counsel: AAJ member Lewis O. Unglesby and Lance C. Unglesby, both of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Plaintiff expert: Michael Burdine, pain management, Baton Rouge.
