Trial Magazine

Police officer Roe attempted to stop an SUV that allegedly had a license plate that did not belong to it. When the SUV driver fled, Roe began a high-speed chase along a major highway, which lasted nearly five minutes. The SUV attempted to turn left and collided head-on with another vehicle.

Doe, who was a front-seat passenger in the vehicle, suffered severe injuries, including multiple fractures, a traumatic brain injury, and lacerations to her liver and kidney. Doe was also six months pregnant and lost her baby in the crash.

Doe sued a police department, alleging wrongful death, negligence, gross negligence, and willful and wanton conduct. The defense argued that Roe had immunity because he was engaged in emergency driving in response to emergency conditions.

The parties settled for $5.24 million.

Citation: Doe v. Roe Police Dep’t, Confidential Dkt. No. (Va. Confidential Ct. July 2023).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ member William “Rob” Sievers and David M. Erwin, both of Charlottesville, Va.; AAJ member Roger T. Creager and Tara A. Enix, both of Richmond, Va.; and AAJ member Mark S. Lindensmith, Staunton, Va.