In Muscogee County, Ga., a wrongful death car crash claim has reportedly been concluded after years of litigation for a massive—and historic—$280 million verdict from the jury.

The wrongful death lawsuit was reportedly filed back in 2016 by the family of Judy M., who died at the age of 58 in a vehicle accident on U.S Highway 80 that also killed two other adults and two children. There was one other 58-year-old killed, as well as a 23-year-old woman and her 7-year-old and 4-year-old children. All of the victims were from Albany, La.

According to local news source, WRBL, the accident occurred when a tractor-trailer and an SUV collided head-on, leading to the deaths of everyone in the car. The truck driver was treated for minor injuries at the local hospital.

After the car accident, Judy’s husband Larry reportedly filed his wrongful death car crash claim against Schnitzer Steel as well as the truck driver involved, Kenneth Cathey.

The jury heard testimony during the court case that the tractor-trailer, driven by Cathey, crossed the center line and collided with the SUV. Witnesses said that they did not see evidence that the driver had tried to perform evasive maneuvers, so attorneys questioned whether the truck driver had fallen asleep at the wheel. Still, Cathey claims that he did not fall asleep.

The total award comprises several parts, including $150 million for the wrongful death car crash claim, $30 million for pain and suffering, $100 million for punitive damages, and $65,000 for attorney fees. The $280 million award is the largest judgment in the history of the local circuit court.

Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit

If you were injured in a car or truck accident—or if a loved one was killed—you may be able to file a car accident injury or wrongful death lawsuit. Of course, filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by a car accident, nor can it bring a loved one back to life, but it can at least help to alleviate the financial burden incurred by medical expenses, lost wages, and more.

Even after a car accident with minor injuries, you can still file a car crash claim for pain and suffering. Plus, in some cases, injuries that first appear to be minor may actual reveal themselves over time to be something more serious. According to experts, it is always important to seek medical attention after any car accident that bends metal, not just for your personal health and safety, but also because insurance companies will notice whether or not you sought medical treatment after the accident occurred.

Filing a lawsuit can be a daunting prospect, especially after the trauma of a car accident, so Top Class Actions has laid the groundwork for you by connecting you with an experienced attorney. Consulting an attorney can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the complexities of litigation, and maximize your potential compensation.

This article is not legal advice or medical advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.