Jenny Hennes was hit from behind by a company vehicle belonging to JC Fodale Energy Services. The impact damaged her neck, back, and shoulders bad enough that she may never be able to work again. Fortunately, Jenny decided to fight JC Fodale for the money she needed to recover. And with the help of an experienced injury attorney, she headed to court and ultimately, she was awarded $43.5 million.
The Accident
Jenny Hennes and Mickey Hunt were both driving down I-35 in Bexar County back in 2015 when the accident happened. Hunt was driving a GMC Yukon SUV that belonged to JC Fodale Energy Services. As an executive of the company, he was not held to the same cell phone restrictions that employees with less stature in the company had to follow.
And Hunt took full advantage of this. Records proved that he had texted while driving over 2,000 times in the five months leading up to the crash. Using the latest technology, Jenny’s attorney was also able to prove that he was on talking on the phone and texting just minutes before he collided with Jenny.
Companies Should Restrict Phone Cell Usage While Driving for All Employees
There are many companies that have safety rules about operating company vehicles while driving. Some even zero-use policy on mobile phones while driving. And this is how it should be. Studies have shown that using a cellphone while driving is the equivalent to having a blood-alcohol level of 0.08. This level is considered legally intoxicated in the state of Texas.
Details of the Verdict
The jury awarded Jenny Hennes $2.5 million in punitive damages from Mickey Hunt. As part of the award from JC Fodale, the jury included $7.5 million for physical pain and mental anguish, $2.9 million for physical impairment, $1.3 million for her medical expenses, and $1.1 million to cover Jenny’s loss of income from work.
JC Fodale filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. However, Jenny Hennes’s attorney can still pursue the company’s insurance policy, which will cover around $30 million.
A Knowledgeable Injury Attorney Makes a Difference
Jenny’s case was not without complexities. Proving that Hunt was on the phone, uncovering details about JC Fodale’s cell phone policy, and even addressing the company’s pending bankruptcy. Fortunately, she didn’t try to handle it alone.
Instead, she sought the help of an attorney who had the experience to fight for Jenny deserved in this case. Her attorney was able to provide the evidence of the phone usage and he knew where to get information on the company’s insurance coverage. And Jenny Hennes and her lawyer were able to offer the jury convincing evidence that JC Fodale and Mickey Hunt were to blame for the accident.
If you’ve been injured in an accident by a company vehicle, you may deserve compensation too. The best way to fight for the money you deserve is to get help from a knowledgeable attorney.
Injury attorney, Jason DeSouza knows how to beat these businesses and their insurance companies at their own game – and he won’t charge you a dime for his services unless he wins your case. Call him today at 833-JASON-WINS.