December 12, 2019 – Partner Joseph Kaiser tried a case in the State Court of Gwinnett County arising out of a multiple vehicle automobile accident.  The Plaintiff brought the suit against a named Defendant (Mr. Kaiser’s client) and a John Doe.  The Plaintiff alleged that an unknown driver was driving erratically on I-20 in front of the vehicle in which she was a passenger. She claimed that the unknown vehicle or John Doe was weaving in and out of traffic on I-20 Eastbound and cut off a vehicle that was forced to make a sudden stop on the Interstate to avoid a collision.  The Plaintiff’s son (who was driving the vehicle in which she was a passenger on a learner’s permit) then struck the rear of the stopped vehicle.  The Plaintiff’s vehicle then spun out of control into the lane to the left and was struck by a vehicle being driven by Mr. Kaiser’s client.  Plaintiff alleged both the John Doe and Mr. Kaiser’s client were negligent in causing the collision and were responsible for her alleged injuries.

Plaintiff contended she suffered multiple injuries to her body including a torn right meniscus which ultimately required surgical repair.  She claimed medical damages in excess of $30,000 along with future medical damages and past and future pain and suffering. She further contended that the injury was permanent and debilitating.

The defense argued that neither John Doe, nor Mr. Kaiser’s client were negligent in any manner and that the Plaintiff’s son was the cause of the accident.  The Defense further argued that her alleged injury was a chronic condition was completely unrelated to the accident.

The jury deliberated for 10 minutes and returned a defense verdict in favor of both Mr. Kaiser’s client and John Doe.

Nadia Nickerson of Law Office of James C. McLaughlin served as counsel for John Doe.
The case is Telita Todd v. Patrick Cleveland and John Doe, State Court of Gwinnett County, CAFN: 18-C-06162-S4