Georgia State Jury Finds Boat Operator Only 25% Liable For Collision That Killed 13-Year-Old, Awards $ 960,000 For Mother's Pain And Suffering Before Reduction
On August 27, 2011, plaintiff Amity Hicks and her 13-year-old son Trevor were passengers on a boat being operated by Jack Struve on Lake Lanier when the boat collided with another boat being operated by defendant Terry Crockford. Trevor was thrown from the boat and drowned.
Plaintiff filed a wrongful death action against defendant on March 11, 2013 in the Superior Court of Dawson County, GA, asserting claims of general negligence under inland navigation rules and boating under the influence (BUI). Defendant claimed that Struve's boat had the duty to give way or yield to the boat on the right, which was defendant's boat. Defendant also denied that he had been drinking, and a BUI blood test was negative.
On June 21, 2017, the jury awarded $ 960,000 to plaintiff for her emotional pain and suffering, but attributed 75% fault to non-party Jack Struve.
Plaintiff was represented by Rob Katz and Mike McGarrity. Defendant was represented by Stephen L. Cotter and Joe Angersola of Swift, Currie, McGhee & Hiers, LLP.
Lexis Advance Subscribers may view the complete summary, including expert information, here: Amity Hicks, et al. v. Terry Crockford; 2017 Jury Verdicts LEXIS 2257.
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