Date: 09-10-2012

Case Style: Jackie Whitaker v. Chris Coryell

Case Number: CJ-2011-1682

Judge: Tom A. Lucas

Court: District Court, Cleveland County, Oklahoma

Plaintiff's Attorney: Jeremy Z. Carter

Defendant's Attorney: Melanie K. Christians

Description: Jackie Whitaker, individually and as mother and next of kin to Ashley Whitaker, a minor, sued Chris Coryell, individually and as father and next of kin to Justin Coryell, a minor claiming:

1. That on or about the 20th day of January, 2011, the Plaintiff, Ashley Whitaker was involved in a motor vehicle accident at the intersection of Highway 37 and Council Road in the State of Oklahoma.

2. Plaintiff Ashley Whitaker was a passenger in a car being operated by minor Defendant Justin Coryell.

3. The car the minor Defendant was operating was owned by his father, Defendant Chris Coryell.

4. Upon all information and belief, the minor Defendant was a permissive user of the vehicle pursuant to his father’s authority and control.

5. Plaintiffs sustained all or part of their damages in Cleveland County, State of Oklahoma; therefore, venue is appropriate in this jurisdiction pursuant to 12 Okla, Stat. Sec. 141.

6. Defendant Justin Coryell was negligent in operating the vehicle and causing the accident that resulted in injuries to Plaintiffs.

7. As a result of the Defendants’ negligence and other wrongThl conduct, the Plaintiff Ashley Whitaker suffered permanent injuries resulting in severe and permanent physical and mental pain and suffering, impairment, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life and opportunity, and has incurred medical and other expenses. Plaintiffs’ damages are in excess of $75,000.00.

8. Upon all information and belief, the minor Defendant is incapable of satis1’ing a judgment for damages against him; therefore, Defendant Chris Coryell, by virtue of his status as parent and next of kin, is responsible for Plaintiffs’ damages for entrusting control of the vehicle to his minor child.

9. Further, discovery may reveal that Defendant Chris Coryell, knew or should have known, not to entrust the vehicle to his minor son, and to do so was negligent.

WhEREFORE, based on the foregoing, Plaintiffs prays for judgment against the Defendants for damages for an amount in excess of $75,000.00, plus costs, prejudgment interest, attorney’s fees, and any other relief this Court deems equitable, just and proper.

Defendant did not file an answer.

Outcome: Settled for $62,161.61 with the settlement proceeds to be held in trust for Plaintiff's minor child.

Plaintiff's Experts:

Defendant's Experts:

Comments: