Trial Magazine

Roe went for dinner and drinks at a casino. Three hours later, he drove 17 miles toward his home in Fairfax, Va. Less than a mile from his house, Roe lost control of his vehicle and entered Doe’s lane of travel. The two collided, and Doe, 28, suffered serious injuries, including a broken rib, cervical injuries, and tears to her colon and ileum.

Doe required emergency surgery; a subsequent colostomy procedure; and a 33-day hospitalization, during which she underwent 10 surgeries. Her medical bills totaled $573,000. She has been unable to return to her position as an HR manager for a dog walking company and has incurred $125,000 in lost income.

Doe sued Roe, alleging he had been driving under the influence of alcohol. The plaintiff asserted that testing showed Roe’s blood alcohol level was 0.15 at the time of the crash.

The jury awarded $4.24 million, including $1 million in punitive damages.

Citation: Doe v. Roe, Undisclosed Dkt. No. (Va. Cir. Ct. Fairfax Cnty. Apr. 11, 2022).

Plaintiff counsel: Brian Glass, Fairfax, Va.