Trial News

Ebonee Johnson, a 33-year-old security guard, was standing at her post inside a parking garage. A Nation Parking LLC employee drove a valeted vehicle toward her and asked her to move back. Although Johnson moved back as far as she could, the employee drove over her foot. Johnson suffered nerve injuries and required multiple surgeries, including fusion surgery. She also developed complex regional pain syndrome.

Johnson sued Nation Parking LLC, alleging that it was vicariously liable for its employee’s inattentive driving. The plaintiff also asserted that the defendant had negligently entrusted the vehicle to the employee.

The defense claimed that the plaintiff was standing in a traffic-congested area and had assumed the risk.

The jury awarded $250,000, finding the plaintiff 49% at fault.

Citation: Johnson v. Nation Parking LLC, No. 2020-CA-002507-B (D.C. Super. Ct. July 19, 2023).

Plaintiff counsel: William J. Lightfoot, Washington, D.C.

Plaintiff expert: Paul Christo, critical care, Lutherville, Md.; Richard Kaplan, life care planning, Monroeville, Pa.; Debbie Moreau, vocational rehabilitation, Burke, Va.; and Thomas Borzilleri, economics, Bethesda, Md.

Defense experts: Matthew Ammerman, neurosurgery, Washington, D.C.; and James Gasho, orthopedic surgery, Chevy Chase, Md.