Eddie Nabors v. Cal-Ark International

Settlement of $7,500,000 (U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia). Settlement on behalf of an Alabama family whose 19 year-old son and 15 year-old daughter were killed when the family was traveling to return the son to Washington and Lee University to start his second semester of college the following day. Interstate 81 on the day of the accident was a dangerous roadway due to the presence of snow, ice, and fog. Defendant trucking companies were negligent on operating vehicles at speeds unsafe for conditions existing. This settlement is the largest by far in that district of Virginia.

Skilstaf v American Medical Security, Inc.

Verdict of $6,902,576 (Jury verdict in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama). Verdict awarded at the end of a week-long trial against an insurance third party administrator which had mishandled health claims for a number of plaintiff's employees. The jury awarded $1,902,576 in compensatory damages and $5,000,000 in punitive damages. This case was featured in the National Law Journal. Defendant appealed to the Eleventh Circuit, which held oral argument before affirming the verdict. Defendant then filed an appeal to the United States Supreme Court, which denied certiorari. With interest, Defendant was compelled to pay $7,665.876.

John Richardson v. Anonymous Tire Company

Settlement of $6,200,000 (Tallapoosa County). Wrongful death case brought by an Alabama family pursuant to South Carolina because the accident occurred in Greenville, South Carolina. The Richardson family was traveling from Alabama to North Carolina for a family wedding when the tread separated from a tire, causing the SUV to overturn, killing one family member and injuring three others. Suit was also brought against the anonymous automobile manufacturer which designed and manufactured the SUV involved in the accident. Also, claim was brought against an automobile dealer whose body shop had checked the vehicle shortly before the trip.

Robert Wayne Banks v. Waste Management

$745,000 (Tallapoosa County). Successful Alfa Insurance agent was injured when his automobile was struck from behind by a Waste Management truck in Lee County, Alabama. Settlement was reached shortly before trial was to begin in Dadeville, Alabama.

Mesastaff v. Anonymous Third-Party Administrator

$300,000 (Mobile County). Mesastaff was a start-up employee leasing company located in Mobile. The company placed its health insurance for its client companies with a third-party administrator whose job was to adjudicate health claims. Without the knowledge of Mesastaff, the third-party administrator placed other insureds on the Mesastaff health plan, resulting in financial losses to the plan.

Tracy Cassiano v. Anonymous Logging Company

$335,000 (Tallapoosa County). Tracy Cassiano's husband was killed early one morning as he drove to the gym before heading to work. Mr. Cassiano's vehicle was found off the side of the highway with clear evidence that he was involved in a collision with a logging truck. Parts of Mr. Cassiano's vehicle were later found in a cutting machine at a paper plant thirty miles away. Additionally, parts of Mr. Cassiano's automobile hood were found discarded between the accident site and the paper plant. No one witnessed the accident and no one rendered first-aid to Mr. Cassiano. Local prosecutors declined a criminal prosecution for lack of evidence. Due to various discovery devices the truck believed to have been involved in the accident was identified. Although the logging company at all times denied any responsibility, settlement was reached with its insurance carrier.

Yvonne Crispin v. Confidential Insurance Company

$325,000 (Tallapoosa County). Plaintiff was the widow of a physician who had purchased q life insurance policy years prior to his death through Mutual Assurance Company. Mutual Assurance changed life insurance companies shortly before Dr. Crispin's death and the new insurer refused to honor claims.


2000 Case Summaries