Morgan & Morgan Wins Major 2016 Verdict Against Papa John's

Name: Legal Services
Brand: Morgan & Morgan
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5 min read time

Whether an individual or a well-known corporation is responsible for your car accident, having an experienced collision lawyer fight for adequate compensation can be crucial. The $11 million verdict won by Morgan & Morgan attorney Keenan Nix on behalf of his client Glenda Williams shows that winning a case against a well-known brand’s legal team is possible. A skilled and determined attorney can help accident victims overcome even the biggest hurdles.

Receiving what you truly deserve when you get hurt in a car crash can be challenging, especially if medical evidence is inconclusive, such as in Glenda William’s case. However, Morgan & Morgan can be here for you. Our tenacious car accident lawyers could help you recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to find out more.

Papa John’s Didn’t Take the Case Seriously

Glenda Williams was driving in DeKalb County, Georgia when a Papa John’s delivery driver collided head-on with her after crossing into her lane. When Keenan Nix took on the case, Glenda had already tried seeking representation. Her former attorney attempted to settle the case for a pitiful $100,000. Nix saw that the amount was woefully inadequate given what Glenda had experienced.

The Devastating Effects of an Invisible Brain Injury

“I immediately recognized the devastating signs and symptoms of post-concussion syndrome and got her the medical care she needed to get her life back on track,” Nix said.

Papa John’s response was unacceptable for the damages Glenda experienced. While she recovered, Nix gathered his evidence with the help of his team, including long-time partner Christopher Graddock, another of Morgan & Morgan’s attorneys. The two attempted to mediate with Papa John’s. However, after a $220,000 settlement offer in response to Morgan & Morgan’s $2.5 million demand for Glenda, the team decided to take the case to trial.

Time and time again, Papa John’s neglected to take the case seriously because Glenda looked healthy on the surface. However, in reality, she suffered the debilitating effects of a brain injury, including nausea, dizziness, blurred vision, and others. Ms. William’s memory and attention span also suffered, causing her confusion and anxiety. Although her symptoms did not show up on test results, Glenda certainly experienced and felt them.

How Attorney Nix Argued the Case

Uncovering the real damages of a car accident is one of the most challenging barriers to a favorable outcome. However, competent legal representation can help overcome any stumbling blocks in front of your case. Nix showed the jury that the collision significantly impacted Glenda Williams. He demonstrated to the courtroom the pain and suffering a traumatic brain injury can cause. Many effects of such brain injuries don’t show up on CT or MRI scans.

Papa John’s legal team tried to minimize the extent and long-term nature of Glenda’s traumatic brain injury. However, Dr. Ashley, Glenda’s neurologist, determined that she had suffered significant brain damage and would experience lifelong symptoms. Attorney Nix reminded the jury that the defense failed to call on expert witnesses to counter the medical evidence provided.

In addition to disputing Ms. William’s injuries, the defense also partly blamed the accident on her. However, there was clear evidence that Papa John’s delivery driver, Robert Pollard, caused the accident. Physical evidence collected by police at the scene included the at-fault driver’s skid marks in Glenda’s lane. Attorney Nix asserted that physical evidence doesn’t lie. After examining the evidence, the jury found the driver at fault for the accident.

Our Client Found the Peace She Needs

The case ended favorably, and our firm left with an $11 million verdict, more than 50 times the amount offered to Glenda in mediation. As a result of our legal team’s efforts, Glenda recovered in comfort without having to worry about her future financial situation. Moreover, she felt vindicated that she was not to blame for the accident.

What the Verdict Means for Car Accident Victims

No one, individual or corporation, should be let off the hook for the suffering and financial damage they cause. Glenda did nothing wrong and was simply driving down the street in the wrong place at the wrong time. Unfortunately, accidents like this happen all too frequently. If an accident does occur, compensation should be prompt and fair. However, in many cases, the negligent party is not prepared to take full responsibility for their actions.

Having the right car accident lawyer by your side can make all the difference when you have to fight for what you deserve. In Nix’s own words, “Our resolve was richly rewarded, and you cannot overstate the importance of being ready, willing, and able to try your case in the face of substandard settlement offers.”

Accidents With Delivery Drivers

The blockbuster $11 million verdict was an opportunity to shed light on delivery drivers and the companies that ignore or shield their negligent actions. During and after the pandemic, food deliveries skyrocketed. More delivery cars on the road invariably mean more accidents involving such vehicles.

Food delivery accidents are not uncommon due to drivers who may be driving carelessly or speeding under time pressure. The faster they deliver the food to customers, the quicker they can pick up more deliveries and earn more money. Although Papa John’s delivery drivers are generally paid by the hour, many other food delivery drivers are paid per delivery.

Other reasons for accidents with food delivery vehicles can include:

Inexperienced drivers
Negligent hiring, such as failing to check a driver’s record
Fatigue due to working long hours
Vehicle defects

Liability in Food Delivery Accidents

Getting what you deserve after a car crash with a food delivery vehicle can be tricky. What you could recover may depend on the driver’s insurance policy and whether you can hold the employer liable for your damages. In most accidents, victims can hold an employer at least partially responsible for their losses. A company, such as Papa John’s, can afford a settlement, while a delivery driver may not have the means to compensate you.

If you experienced an accident with a delivery vehicle, Morgan & Morgan could help you get justice and compensation.

Calculating the Real Value of Your Car Accident Damages

Knowing the true value of your claim is critical for recovering adequate compensation that won’t leave you out of pocket years down the line. In Ms. Williams’ case, attorney Nix immediately recognized that she was entitled to much more than what Papa John’s was willing to offer. The value of your car collision can depend on various factors, including your medical bills, property damage, income losses, and other damages. An experienced collision lawyer understands what you are entitled to, which can include:

Medical Costs

Medical costs for a traumatic brain injury and other common car injuries can soar to hundreds of thousands of dollars during the lifetime of an individual. An experienced car accident lawyer will consider all your past, current, and future medical expenses when calculating an appropriate compensation amount.

Wage Loss

Victims who suffered a significant or life-changing injury in a crash could be off work for an extended period or may never return to their careers. Compensation for lost wages can include:

Past, current, and future lost wages.
Work missed due to medical treatments and doctor’s appointments.
Lost wages from working in a reduced capacity or part-time after recovery.

Pain and Suffering

As was evident in the case against Papa John’s, some injuries are invisible, which can make it challenging to prove a victim’s suffering. Invisible injuries can cause great physical and emotional distress and make it impossible for victims to lead the lives they are accustomed to. For example, victims may have to give up favorite hobbies such as hiking or gardening after a severe head injury.

However, as with the Papa John’s settlement case, a skilled and determined attorney from Morgan & Morgan can put a dollar figure on your non-economic damages, such as:

Loss of life enjoyment
Physical pain
Emotional anguish
Inconvenience
Disfigurement
Loss of a limb or a sense

Non-economic damages can make up a significant portion of an accident victim’s compensation. Therefore, having experienced legal representation can be critical for getting what you deserve.

How Morgan & Morgan Could Help You Win a Car Accident Claim

Our attorneys are experienced litigators who, unlike others, will not settle for the next best offer but fight for maximum compensation. If you, like Glenda Williams, find yourself having to stand up against a mighty brand name with teams of lawyers, you need help from a firm experienced in holding big companies accountable. Our attorneys are ready to fight tooth and nail for what you deserve, even if it means taking your case to trial.

Powerful companies have resources that solo attorneys or small law firms find impossible to match. However, when you work with the largest personal injury firm in America, you won’t have to worry about us running out of steam. We have an army of motivated car accident lawyers, accident investigators, and legal team members, ready to work tirelessly for what you deserve.

In the most difficult times in your life, Morgan & Morgan can be here for you. We can:

Ensure you get the medical care you need
Negotiate a settlement with the at-fault party or their insurer
File a car accident lawsuit on your behalf
Gather necessary evidence to prove your case and damages
Present your case powerfully at trial

We have been helping injured car accident victims for decades and recovered over $20 billion for our injured clients. You don’t have to pay us unless we win and recover compensation for you. Get in touch with us today, for free, to determine your legal options.