Professional Negligence Law Reporter

After leaving a bar, Cassandra Sasser, who was allegedly intoxicated, rear-ended an SUV occupied by Gerianna Jones, 42, that was stopped at a traffic light. Jones suffered spinal injuries in the collision and underwent a lumbar diskectomy and fusion surgery, among other treatments. She incurred more than $200,000 in medical expenses.

Jones filed a claim for UIM benefits under her insurance policy with Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Co., which had a $100,000 policy limit. The insurer did not pay Jones’s claim.

Jones sued Allstate, alleging breach of contract, breach of the duty of good faith and fair dealing, and unfair settlement practices.

The jury awarded $595,000. The court entered judgment for approximately $102,800, including more than $2,800 in sanctions.

Citation: Jones v. Allstate Fire & Cas. Ins. Co., No. 352-290275-17 (Tex. Dist. Ct. Tarrant Cty. Dec. 5, 2019).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ member Robert Haslam, Darrell L. Keith, and William Haslam, all of Fort Worth, Texas.