The Cooper Firm

Cessay v. VCA

Farma Kane was a passenger in the back seat of a car being driven by her father, Omar Kane. She was 14 months old and was properly restrained in a car seat. Mr. Kane was on the job at the time delivering veterinary materials for his employer, VCA. Mr. Kane negligently rear-ended a vehicle stalled on the freeway, and as a result of the collision, Farma Kane was rendered a ventilator-dependent quadriplegic. Because Mr. Kane was working when he caused the collision, we brought a claim against his employer under the theory of respondeat superior. The employer moved for summary judgment on the ground that bringing his daughter with him on his route was outside the scope of Mr. Kane's duties. Following extensive briefing and oral argument, the court denied the employer's motion, after which the defendants agreed to pay $9,450,000, a sum that will provide a stream of income to care for Farma for the rest of her life.

Kingsley v. Beam

Scott Kingsley was riding his motorcycle when Donna Beam, who had been drinking, pulled out in front of him. Mr. Kingsley died in the accident. The firm took this case to trial, and the jury in a conservative venue awarded Mr. Kingsley's wife and daughter $4 million in damages, including $2.4 million for Mr. Kingsley's pain and suffering. The Georgia Court of Appeals unanimously upheld the verdict in Beam v. Kingsley, 255 Ga. App. 715, 566 S.E.2d 437 (2002).

Rousey v. Bunch

While backing her vehicle out of her driveway, Ms. Bunch negligently struck Mr. and Mrs. Rousey, who were trying to get into Ms. Bunch's vehicle. Mr. Rousey was 92 years old, and Mrs. Rousey was 80. Both were seriously hurt, and Mr. Rousey died of his injuries. Ultimately, Ms. Bunch's insurance company agreed to pay its policy limits -- $1.2 million.

Cowin v. Thompson

Howard Cowin was riding his bicycle on the street when he was struck by Mr. Thompson, who was driving a Jeep CJ7. Mr. Cowin sustained various fractures, and his medical bills totaled approximately $80,000. In a very conservative jury venue, the firm negotiated a settlement of $433,000 for Mr. and Mrs. Cowin.

Garcia v. Jane Doe

Carolyn Garcia was traveling home from Montgomery, Alabama, in a motor home being being driven by a friend, Mr. Gruetter. Mr. Gruetter pulled up to an intersection and stopped. With the right of way, Mr. Gruetter began to pull into the intersection when a black sport utility vehicle cut in front of him causing him to slam on his brakes. Ms. Garcia, who was seated just behind the passenger seat, was thrown forward and smashed her face into a console. Ms. Garcia suffered serious injuries to her face, jaw and cheek. Ms. Garcia also had injury to her shoulder, neck and upper back. Ms. Garcia brought a claim against the unknown driver of the black sport utility vehicle in the name of Jane Doe. Ms. Garcia's uninsured motorist carrier, Continental Insurance Company, answered on behalf of Jane Doe. Continental offered $150,000.00 to settle before trial. After a week long trial, a Cobb County Jury returned a verdict in favor of Ms. Garcia in the amount of $300,000.00. The Court entered Judgment and Continental Insurance Company paid the Judgment.

Gray v. Shanahan

Glaydean Gray was traveling on Dallas Highway approaching Mt. Calvary road in Marietta, Georgia. Ms. Gray had slowed her vehicle as she was approaching the traffic ahead of her. Mr. Shanahan hit Ms. Gray's vehicle from behind. Ms. Gray and Mr. Shanahan pulled over to exchange information. Mr. Shanahan provided Ms. Gray a small piece of paper containing false insurance information. He then told Ms. Gray that he would go to a nearby store to call the Cobb County Police Department. As he left the scene, Ms. Gray wrote down his automobile tag number. Mr. Shanahan never returned to the scene. Ms. Gray contacted the Cobb County Police Department and provided them detailed information about Mr. Shanahan's vehicle as well as his tag number. After locating an address, the police officers proceeded to Mr. Shanahan's residence where they located him in the backyard washing his vehicle. He denied having been involved in any accident. Ms. Gray was brought to his residence were she positively identified Mr. Shanahan as the man who hit her vehicle and fled the scene of the accident. Mr. Shanahan was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and fleeing the scene of an accident.

Roberson v. Mitchell, et al.

On January 12, 2006, Troy Roberson was riding his motorcycle home from work. Troy entered the left turn lane to turn left at an intersection when Mr. Mitchell also turned into the left turn lane causing a collision. Troy alleged that he had the right of way. Mr. Mitchell contended that Troy had negligently turned into a gore before the left hand turn lane and, therefore, Mr. Mitchell actually had the right of way at the time of the collision. Mr. Roberson lost his spleen and left kidney, a sprained left ankle, fractured ribs, muscle damage to his left shoulder, as well as numerous lacerations and road rash. The defendants had a $500,000.00 liability insurance policy. The defendants settled this matter before trial for $490,000.00.

Britton v. GGM, et al.

Anthony Britton was a belted driver who was stopped in traffic when the vehicle behind him was hit from by a van driven by Ronald Geoghagan. As a result of the accident, Mr. Britton suffered from lumbosacral pain. After several months of rehabilitation services and non-operative treatments, including a series of pain injections, Mr. Britton had a diskogram. Following the diskogram, Mr. Britton had an IDET procedure. Defendants contended that not all of Mr. Britton's injuries were a result of the collision. Mr. Britton's medical expenses exceeded $260,000.00. This case settled before trial for $687,500.00.