A 15-mph bump of a car resulted in a Richland County jury awarding a couple $600,000.The winners' attorney, Robert Goings, acknowledged that not much damage was done to his clients’ car. The 2010 accident was characterized as a ‘minor’ rear-ender on an I-77 ramp.
Judge Casey Manning heard the case.
The Florida couple, Leonard Carey and Carol Bennett were in their car when they were hit from behind at I-77 and Two Notch Road by a Dyer Inc. van.
The State newspaper of Columbia reported the details.
The driver claimed about $27,000 in medical expenses and the passenger said she had $18,000 in medical bills. Both occupants claimed neck injuries (whiplash?) and one of the plaintiffs was treated at an emergency room.
The case demonstrates that juries may give you exorbitant sums on a whim if you litigate. It's a case of a trial lawyer ready to go for the jackpot, regardless of merit.
It's also shows that people think companies have endless supplies of money, and some don't mind taking it. It's the class-warfare mantra so often perpetuated by politicians.
If you cheer this result, remember it only drives up the price of everything, from insurance to the goods and services the company stuck, provides.
The case also is reminiscent of the Sanford & Son episode in which Fred was rear-ended by a black Cadillac. Remember Fred saying: “All you lieutenants look alike to me.” and "I'm sittin' on a goldmine."
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