(VERDICT UPDATE: The jury found for the estate of Erik Hilario in the amount of $8.25 million for pain and suffering and for his parents in the amount of $21 million for his wrongful death ,for a total compensatory verdict of $29.25 million. The jury also determined that Erik Hilario was solely the employee of Newell Recycling, LLC at the time of his death. The jury also found for plaintiffs on the grounds of product liability for both negligent design and failure to warn.The jury determined that plaintiffs were also entitled to punitive damages. The parties entered into a post-verdict confidential settlement before the jury heard evidence on punitive damages. CVN will conintue to report on the case as it develops.)

Atlanta—The tragic death of a 19-year-old worker in an industrial fire at an Atlanta recycling plant has become the subject of a heated trial currently underway in Fulton County State Court. Efrain Hilario et al. v. Newell Recycling of Atlanta, Inc. (12EV015400).

According to an old legal saying, “justice delayed is justice denied.” In a recent Henry County Superior Court case, plaintiff Nita King faced that very possibility, as her lawsuit resulting from a July 18, 2002, automobile accident did not finally go before a Superior Court jury until February, 2015, almost 12 ½ years later. Nita King v. Olin Wayne Davis (DECEASED) 2008-SU-CV-3386.

Cory Hohnbaum delivers the closing argument for R.J. Reynolds in a trial against the company over the respiratory disease that caused Renato Santos' death. Jurors found Santos' widow failed to establish Engle class membership required in her $16 million suit against the company. 

Newnan, GA—A pedestrian who was knocked out of his shoes as a result of being struck by a motorist in an accident that neither party could remember at trial was awarded $7,500 by a Coweta County Superior Court jury. James Booth v. Joel Edge and Lisa Edge (2014-SU-V-13-JK)