Charleston’s Biggest Verdicts and Settlements: A Deep Dive Into 2019 Cases
Charleston, known for its rich history and vibrant culture, added another layer to its narrative in 2019 with a wave of remarkable legal cases that shaped the local landscape. That year saw juries and settlements totaling millions, highlighting tales of loss, negligence, and justice. Here’s a look at some of the most talked-about verdicts and settlements that turned heads and opened wallets in South Carolina.
Big Wins for the Glover Family
In what has been termed one of the largest verdicts in South Carolina, an Orangeburg County jury awarded a staggering $35 million to the Glover family after a motor vehicle crash involving a tractor-trailer truck. Brandon Glover received $21 million, while his father, Willie Glover, got $14 million for their serious injuries sustained in a rear-end collision. The jury’s decision came after they learned the at-fault driver was allegedly under the influence of drugs and had been exceeding legal driving hours, a combination that led to this monumental award.
A $11.6 Million Payout for Berkeley Condo Owners
Residents of a Berkeley County condo complex, plagued with severe construction defects for years, found relief with an $11.6 million settlement against their developer and builders. The property, built in 2005, faced relentless issues, including significant water intrusion that made living conditions unbearable. After exhausting all attempts to rectify the situation, the residents took decisive action.
Burn Injury Victim Settles for $9.75 Million
Cephus Glenn, a Newberry man who endured catastrophic burns covering 90 percent of his body, reached a $9.75 million settlement against the manufacturer of an ash-handler machine that caused his injuries. The horrific accident occurred while Glenn was working near the machine, illustrating the dangers posed by inadequate safety measures and negligent design.
Tragic Loss in a Wrongful Death Case
A wrongful death lawsuit following a tragic tractor-trailer accident resulted in a $9.5 million settlement for the family of a woman who lost her life. The case highlighted the importance of accountability in the transportation industry, as the driver of the truck failed to observe traffic signals during a power outage.
Drunk Driving Consequences: $7.523 Million Awarded
The family of motorcyclist David Gibson was awarded $7.523 million after he was killed by a drunk driver. With compelling evidence showing the bar that served the driver was negligent, the jury’s decision mirrored the community’s stance on the dangers of drunk driving.
Burn Case Settlement: $7.5 Million
A woman severely injured in a propane cloud explosion received a $7.5 million settlement. The accident raised questions about workplace safety and the obligations of equipment manufacturers to ensure user safety.
Berkeley County Family Receives $6 Million for Drowning
A Berkeley County family whose toddler drowned in an unlocked pool reached a settlement of $6 million. This tragedy emphasized the responsibility of property owners to safeguard against such catastrophes, ultimately leading to this significant financial resolution.
Mesothelioma Case: $5.13 Million Verdict
In another striking case, the widow of a man who succumbed to mesothelioma was awarded $5.13 million. The lawsuit focused on the permanent health impacts of workplace exposure to asbestos, leading to a somber reminder of the dangers hidden within many professions.
Restrictive Easement Settlement: $4.41 Million
The Trask family negotiated a $4.41 million settlement regarding a restrictive easement placed by the U.S. government on their land near Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, showcasing the complexities surrounding property rights.
Catastrophic Motorcycle Crash Settles for $4 Million
A devastating motorcycle accident resulted in a pre-suit settlement of $4 million for a young man who suffered severe injuries. This case illustrates the life-altering consequences of traffic mishaps and the importance of accountability among drivers.
Tragedy Aboard a Boat: $3.95 Million Settlement
The widow of a sheriff’s deputy, tragically killed during a training accident, reached a settlement of $3.95 million with the federal government. The case serves as a profound reminder of the perils faced by law enforcement during training exercises.
Realty Company Wins $3.75 Million for Land Taken
In an eminent domain case, a realty company awarded $3.75 million when the South Carolina Department of Commerce seized land for a rail project, reinforcing the importance of fair compensation.
Wrongful Death from Improper Medical Care: $3.5 Million
A family won $3.5 million after their loved one drowned following inadequate medical care. The case emphasized the critical duty medical professionals have to their patients and families.
Drunk Driver and Bar Settlement: $3 Million
In a grim reminder of the effects of drunk driving, a settlement of $3 million was reached against a bar that served alcohol to an intoxicated patron involved in a severe accident.
Pregnant Mother’s Death Leads to $2.6 Million Settlement
A $2.6 million settlement was reached after a physician failed to diagnose a pulmonary embolism in a pregnant woman, leading to her untimely death.
$2.35 Million Settlement for Construction Worker
In a construction accident involving unsafe building practices, a worker received $2.35 million for severe spinal injuries sustained after makeshift stairs collapsed.
Hit-and-Run Crash Settled for $2.2 Million
A man who suffered serious injuries from a hit-and-run motorcycle accident secured a $2.2 million pre-suit settlement, highlighting the ongoing battle for justice in traffic incidents.
Geico Faces $2.15 Million Settlements
Following a significant auto accident verdict, Geico settled for $2.15 million after the at-fault driver’s family pursued a bad faith lawsuit.
Golf Cart Accident Zeroes in on $2 Million
A woman injured in a tragic golf cart accident reached a confidential settlement of $2 million after challenging safety measures that should have been in place.
Successful Verdict against an Unlicensed Driver
A Charleston jury awarded a $1.93 million verdict to a driver injured by a dump truck operated by an unlicensed driver, affirming the importance of vehicle safety regulations.
These eye-opening cases showcase the heavy legal climate in Charleston, with residents more aware than ever of their rights and the tragedies that can unfold from negligence. Each settlement and verdict tells a story, giving a glimpse into both the struggles faced by victims and the commitment to securing justice in the face of adversity.
