Trial Magazine

Trevor Godfrey, 21, lived next to the Omega Psi Phi fraternity house at Missouri State University. During a fraternity party, several guests went outside and engaged in a game of “knockout,” in which a player would knock an unsuspecting victim unconscious. Unaware of the game, Godfrey went outside to move his car and was struck on the back of the head and kicked. He fell and hit his head on pavement, leading to a traumatic brain injury, a dislocated shoulder, and lacerations.

Godfrey sued the fraternity, alleging it had been negligent in hosting an ­open-invite party without a guest list or security, which violated the organization’s written policies.

The parties reached a confidential high-low agreement during jury deliberations. The jury awarded $1.63 million.

Citation: Godfrey v. Omega Psi Phi, No. 1431CC00125 (Mo. Cir. Ct. Greene Cnty. Feb. 15, 2017).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ member Steven Garner and Nick Smart, both of Springfield, Mo.