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Law firm says judgment one
of the largest in Parker County history
Brown Fox, a leading Dallas-based law firm, said a Parker County
jury has returned one of the largest jury verdicts in the history of Parker
County in favor of its client, Jerry Wall.
The jury awarded Wall $5.2 million in the case of Wall vs. Ingram.
The verdict is the result of Wall suffering the loss of a leg as a victim of a
wrong-way driver on Interstate 20. In October 2010, Wall was riding a
motorcycle when he was struck by a car driven by an elderly woman going the
wrong way on Interstate 20.
The wreck occurred in Hudson Oaks in the westbound lanes at exit
415. Vernelle Ingram was the driver of the Buick sedan that struck Wall and she
was the defendant in the civil case.
Following the wreck, the investigating police officer questioned
the defendant’s competency to drive, leading to the request by the Texas
Department of Public Safety that she submit to a driving test. The defendant
subsequently failed four consecutive driving tests before narrowly passing on
her fifth try.
It is uncertain what, if any, effect the large jury verdict will
have on her license or existing law. Wall withdrew his punitive damages claim
prior to closing the week-long trial. The jury found the driver of the other
vehicle liable for $5,218,000 in actual damages.
“We are extremely happy to have been able to secure this verdict
for Mr. Wall,” said Brown Fox partner Brad Kizzia. “I cannot think of a more
deserving party, and the jury obviously agreed based upon the evidence
presented, including the many witnesses who testified on his behalf. It is
hoped, probably by all who participated in the trial or listened to the
testimony, that the defendant will heed the message and give up her driver’s
license.
Even though nothing can replace what Mr. Wall has lost as result
of the defendant’s wrong-way driving, it is not too late for her to assume
responsibility and accountability for the benefit of everyone.”
