Verdicts & Settlements

Hit-and-run, phantom motorist. Minimal damage to the vehicle. Mrs. Howell was married to Corey Howell who was also a witness in the trial. Trial held in Circuit Court for Prince George’s County on November 23-24, 2015. Mrs. Howell was claiming $35,814 in medical bills. The insurance company, Allstate, had only offered $23,000 to settle her case. The Law Office of James E. Farmer, LLC, rejected this offer and took it to court. A jury awarded her $35,814 in medical bills and $400,000 in pain and suffering, for a total award of $435,814.00.

On December 20, 2013, plaintiffs John and Robin Owen, both 50s, owners of a painting business, were driving on Three Notch Road in St. Mary's County. As they were driving, a vehicle driven by Craig Miller attempted to make a left turn across the oncoming traffic lanes and collided head-on with the Owens' vehicle. The Owens claimed injuries to Robin's back and to John's right shoulder. The Owens sued Miller. They alleged that Miller was negligent in the operation of his vehicle, causing the collision. Defense admitted liability. The trial proceeded as damages only.

The plaintiff was injured in a T-bone accident caused by a driver that ran a red light. The collision resulted in painful injuries including lower disc damage and herniation in the neck and back. We pursued underinsured motorist coverage from the insurance company, which did not offer substantial benefits. To exhibit the extent of the plaintiff’s injuries, we presented MRI scans.

A jury in St. Mary’s County Circuit Court awarded the plaintiff $20,000 in financial damages and $125,000 in non-economic damages, for a total recovery of $145,000 in compensation.

Our client was hit by an underinsured motorist (UIM), who had just a $30,000 policy limit for liability. State Farm, our client’s insurer, did not want to pay anything to our client through their UIM policy. Attorney James Farmer successfully took the case to court and won an $89,872 verdict for our client. Our client’s UIM policy is capped at $50,000. The other driver’s insurer paid $30,000 and State Farm paid $20,000, up from the zero dollars they initially wanted to provide. This case shows why all drivers should carry strong UM and UIM insurance coverage. A $100,000 cap should be the minimum amount you purchase.

Tried in the Circuit Court for Charles County. Mr. Proctor was charged with dealing cocaine. Because of his prior record, he was facing 40 years’ incarceration. The team at the Law Office of James E. Farmer, LLC, filed and won a motion to suppress, and all charges against Mr. Proctor were dismissed.