The Lanier Law Firm helps accident victim prevail in damages claims
HOUSTON – A Houston jury has awarded a verdict of more than $2.2 million against a drunk driver who caused a 2010 car crash that left a local woman severely injured and killed the woman’s friend.
Houston resident Angela Maxwell was returning from church with a friend on the evening of Aug. 25, 2010, when her car was struck by a sport-utility vehicle driven by Gina Wiggins of Crosby, Texas.
Ms. Maxwell was 63 years old at the time and suffered severe injuries that have prevented her from returning to work and living independently. She now walks with a cane and has moved from her residence to live with her daughter.
Noted Houston attorney Larry Wilson of The Lanier Law Firm represented Ms. Maxwell at trial.
Trial evidence showed that Ms. Wiggins had left work earlier in the afternoon, and claimed to have had two beers and a bloody mary in the following hours. According to witness testimony, Ms. Wiggins was swerving along FM 2100 in northeast Harris County when she had a head-on collision with Ms. Maxwell and her friend.
Police arrested Ms. Wiggins for driving under the influence of alcohol. A Harris County toxicologist testified that she had a 0.21 blood alcohol level – almost three times the legal limit in Texas. Ms. Wiggins later was convicted of two felonies related to the wreck.
Jurors in the 215th Judicial District Court in Harris County deliberated for only six hours before returning a total verdict of $2,266,141 against Ms. Wiggins on June 20, 2012. The award includes $700,000 for Ms. Maxwell’s past and future impairment, $700,000 for past and future pain and suffering, $500,000 in exemplary damages and more than $300,000 in additional damages.
The case is Angela Maxwell v. Gina Wiggins, No. 2010-58026.
With offices in Houston, Los Angeles, and New York, The Lanier Law Firm is committed to addressing client concerns with effective and innovative solutions in courtrooms across the country. The firm is composed of outstanding trial attorneys with decades of experience handling cases involving pharmaceutical liability, asbestos exposure, intellectual property, business litigation, product liability, maritime law, bad faith insurance claims and sports and entertainment law.
