We at Henson Fuerst are proud to report that the Court of Appeals of North Carolina has upheld a landmark $40 million verdict obtained by the trial team of Thomas Henson and our co-counsel David Stradley of White & Stradley, PLLC. The verdict is the largest drunk driving verdict in North Carolina’s history and includes both compensatory and punitive damages.
About the Landmark Drunk Driving Case
Our client, Susan Chappell, was tragically killed when a drunk driver crossed the center line and hit Susan’s car. Susan survived the initial impact and suffered significantly before passing away on the way to the hospital. The owner of the defendant’s car was also a passenger and had authorized the defendant to drive while intoxicated. Of particular note is that this same owner had let this same driver operate her car while intoxicated approximately in a prior incident in 2016, as shown by prior arrest documentation.
Strong Evidence Established Fault, Led to Justice for the Family of Susan Chappell
Our team provided evidence in the trial that the defendant driver was legally drunk, that the owner knew or should have known that the defendant driver was intoxicated and thus could not safely operate a vehicle, and the incredible loss to Susan’s family, including her two adult children and grandchild. After the verdict, the defendants appealed to the NC Court of Appeals, claiming that the Defendant Owner should not have been held liable for negligent entrustment and that the verdict itself was excessive.
Verdict Reached by Thomas Henson of Henson Fuerst and David Stradley of White & Stradley, PLLC
David Stradley handled the oral argument at the Court of Appeals. He did a masterful job outlining the legal principles and the public policy arguments for the trial result, and the 3 judge panel, comprised of two Republicans and one Democrat, upheld the verdict, noting in particular that: “evidence showed that Defendants’ conduct was “reprehensib[le,]” as the conduct involved drunk driving and allowing one obviously impaired to drive; that there was a “likelihood . . . of serious harm”; that Defendants had an “awareness of the probable consequences of [their] conduct,” based on the 2016 drunk driving incident and a common sense understanding that one should not drive while impaired; that Defendants had engaged in “similar past conduct” based on the 2016 incident; that “the duration of [Defendants’] conduct was not momentary, but rather, they had been drinking for several hours prior to driving; that “[t]he actual damages suffered” by Ms. Chappell were high, as she lost her life; and that Defendant Foreman “conceal[ed]” her culpability by never admitting she bore any blame.”
We Put Drunk Driving Accident Victims and Their Families First
No one anticipates becoming a victim of a fatal drunk driving accident. Unfortunately, such unthinkable events can occur at any time. If you have lost a loved one due to the recklessness of a drunk driver, you are undoubtedly facing immense grief and turmoil. During this incredibly difficult time, it’s crucial to have a compassionate advocate by your side—someone who not only understands the profound emotional impact of your loss but is also dedicated to seeking justice. At Henson Fuerst, we will fight to ensure the responsible party is held accountable for their actions.
In addition to pursuing justice, our attorneys will also focus on helping you recover the maximum compensation necessary to address your financial burdens and emotional challenges. This compensation can help you cover expenses related to the accident and provide some support as you navigate the path to healing and recovery. At Henson Fuerst, our North Carolina car accident lawyers stand ready to aggressively advocate for you and your family in and out of the courtroom, allowing you to focus on grieving this immeasurable loss and beginning to move forward with your life.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation legal consultation by submitting a form online or calling our office at 919-781-1107.
