Date: 10-03-2006

Case Style: Harlon Barnett, individually, and as administrator of the estate of Steven Ray Barnett, v. Hamilton Mutual Insurance Co. and Caulk and Eastridge Insurance Co.

Case Number: Unknonw

Judge: Doughlas M. George

Court: Circuit Court, Taylor County, Kentucky

Plaintiff's Attorney:

Austin Mehr of Austin Mehr Law Office, P.S.C., Lexington, Kentucky

Defendant's Attorney:

David Nunery of Nunery & Bennett, PLLC, Campbellsville, Kentucky

Description:

Harlon Barnett, individually, and as administrator of the estate of Steven Ray Barnett, sued Hamilton Mutual Insurance Co. and Caulk and Eastridge Insurance Co. on a bad faith breach of contract theory claiming that defendants wrongfully prevented him from pursuing an uninsured motorist benefit claim arising out of a head-on collision in 1995 in Steven RAy Barnett was killed. Matthew Colivin, age 16, was driving a 1987 Oldsmobile east on U.S. Highway 68 when he passed another vehicle an collided hear-on with a 1989 Honda being driven west on the highway being driven by Jeremy Clark, age 19. Autopsy examinations found that both drivers were under the influence of alcohol and only Clark was wearing a seat belt.

The defenses asserted by defendants are not available.

Outcome: Plaintiffs' verdict for $700,000 plus interest, costs and punitive damages for a total of $755,000.00

Plaintiff's Experts: Unavailable

Defendant's Experts: Unavailable

Comments: None