Stephanie Ming v. Gerelco Traffic Controls, Inc., a Florida corporation, No. 14-CA-011138

Dec 15, 2017

OUTCOME: The jury determined that Cox’s negligence, for which Gerelco was admittedly responsible, was the legal cause of Ming’s injuries, and that those injuries were permanent. The jury also found that Ming’s damages totaled $30,185,488.89.

On Dec. 24, 2011, plaintiff Stephanie Ming, a 47-year-old unemployed woman, was walking north in a grassy area along the outside lane of U.S. Route 41 in Tampa when she was struck on the back of the he ... ad by the passenger side mirror of a truck. The truck left the scene of the accident, however, a passerby wrote down the tag number on the truck, which was then identified as belonging to Gerelco Traffic Controls Inc. Ming sued Gerelco Traffic Controls, alleging that the truck driver was negligent in the operation of the vehicle and that Gerelco was vicariously liable for the driver’s actions. Ming’s counsel contended that the driver crossed over the line separating the road from the shoulder area where Ming was walking. After the accident, Ming was transported to Tampa General Hospital by ambulance. She had briefly lost consciousness following the accident, but she was awake and sitting up by the time the ambulance came to the scene. The hospital performed CT scans and X-rays, but did not find any bleeding or swelling of the brain. Ming ultimately received seven staples for a laceration on the back of her head and was released. Around 9 months after the incident she claimed she was still suffering from headaches, seizure-like activity, memory loss, blackouts, confusion, and disorientation. After additional examination and treatment for the ongoing symptoms, Ming was diagnosed with a post-traumatic head injury related to the accident. As part of the treatment for her post-traumatic head injury, Ming started taking multiple medications, including anti-seizure drugs. Ming claimed that she continues to have seizure-like activity despite the medications. She also claimed that she requires assistance with daily activities, such as dressing herself, bathing, and preparing meals. Ming additionally claimed that she continues to have problems with concentration and memory. Ming’s treating neuropsychiatrist testified that Ming’s condition would get worse as she grew older and that Ming would likely end up with early-onset dementia or Parkinson’s disease.