Trial Magazine

Driving his 18-wheeler on an interstate highway, Brandon Jackson, 27, drove over a ladder that had fallen off a Charter Communications work van. Three of the rig’s passenger-side tires were punctured and deflated. Jackson then lost control of the truck, which overturned and hit a tree. He suffered fractures to his pelvis, right hip, and ribs, which required surgery and five months of rehabilitation. He still has pain and physical limitations.

Jackson was unable to return to his job, at which he was earning approximately $30,000 annually. He now earns $12,000 annually driving a school bus. His medical expenses were $303,000.

Jackson sued Charter Communications, LLC, alleging that it failed to train its driver on how to secure the ladder to the work van, failed to maintain the ladder rack, and failed to inspect the ladder before every trip.

The jury awarded approximately $2.82 million.

Citation: Jackson v. Charter Commc’ns, LLC, No. 17-C-3714-S4 (Ga. St. Ct. Gwinnett Cnty. Aug. 9, 2019).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ member Christopher Glover, Robert Register, and AAJ member Daniel Philyaw, all of Atlanta.

Plaintiff expert: Kelly Kennett, biomechanics, Alpharetta, Ga.