Trial Magazine

Anthony Bearden was walking along the shoulder of a residential roadway one evening when Floyd Young approached in a Jeep Grand Cherokee and collided with him. Bearden suffered orthopedic injuries and a traumatic brain injury. He now uses a wheelchair and suffers from pain and mental distress.

Bearden sued Young, alleging negligence and wantonness. The plaintiff asserted that the defendant had been speeding and driving while distracted.

The jury awarded $25 million in compensatory damages.

Citation: Bearden v. Young, No. 52-CV-2020-900029 (Ala. Cir. Ct. Morgan Cty. May 13, 2022).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ members Andrew J. Moak and Brandon T. Bishop, both of Birmingham, Ala.