Marsh | Rickard | Bryan

Marsh, Rickard & Bryan

FREE CONSULTATION 24/7

FREE CONSULTATION 24/7

Drunk Driving Verdict

A Birmingham police officer who was hurt while working an accident on Interstate 65 North was awarded $833,709 by a Jefferson County jury today.  The injured police officer was represented by MRB attorneys Rip Andrews and Ben Ford.

Sergeant Demus Smith was standing on the roadway at the scene of a wreck when a drunk driver hit his parked patrol car, which then struck Sergeant Smith.  He was said to have been traveling at about 65 mph when he crashed into the line of four patrol cars, all of which had emergency lights activated.

The lawsuit was against the driver, the owner of the car, and Sergeant Smith’s uninsured motorist insurance carrier, State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company.  The driver and the owner of the car were never found again, so the trial proceeded against State Farm.

Sergeant Smith suffered a crush injury to his right foot and ankle. He was out of work for six months but is now back at work.

The jury awarded $33,709.21 in compensatory damages and $800,000 in punitive damages.

According to Rip, the jury sent a strong message that people need to think twice before they drink and drive.  If they do so and they hurt someone, there will be serious financial consequences.

i 3 Table of Contents

We listen. Your story matters to us.

We have a team of courtroom lawyers with a proven track record to help you tell your story. And we have the resources, the experience and the reputation to make sure you’re heard.

Tell Us About Your Case

Check Consent Box

Honored To Be a Part of Their  Story
"They took a case that others would have stayed clear of.."
I have the utmost respect for Rip Andrews and the lawyers at MRB Law. They took a case that others would have stayed clear of because the issue of state immunity was involved. Through determination and unwavering commitment they were able to a find resolution to an extremely difficult matter.
Nancy Owen
"They took a case that others would have stayed clear of.."
I have the utmost respect for Rip Andrews and the lawyers at MRB Law. They took a case that others would have stayed clear of because the issue of state immunity was involved. Through determination and unwavering commitment they were able to a find resolution to an extremely difficult matter.
Nancy Owen
"They...brought justice to my family through a multi-million dollar verdict ."
These lawyers took a complicated issue, revealed the truth in a way 12 jurors unfamiliar with the topic could understand, and brought justice to my family through a multi-million dollar verdict. They were able to relate my “invisible” medical condition to the jury better than I can to my own friends. And because of that, the jury hugged me and cried with me when it was all over. That meant more to me than any amount of money.
Caroline Malatesta
"They...brought justice to my family through a multi-million dollar verdict."
These lawyers took a complicated issue, revealed the truth in a way 12 jurors unfamiliar with the topic could understand, and brought justice to my family through a multi-million dollar verdict. They were able to relate my “invisible” medical condition to the jury better than I can to my own friends. And because of that, the jury hugged me and cried with me when it was all over. That meant more to me than any amount of money.
Caroline Malatesta
"Our relationship began as strangers but ended in friendship thanks to the compassion he showed ."
I can’t adequately put into words the appreciation I have for Mr. Derrick Mills and MRB Law. He was assertive in his fight for justice for our family during our time of tragedy. Mr. Mills is knowledgeable, passionate and a great communicator. Our relationship began as strangers but ended in friendship thanks to the compassion he showed. Thank you Mr. Mills for being a dedicated professional! Justice done right!
Dana Owens
"Our relationship began as strangers but ended in friendship thanks to the compassion he showed."
I can’t adequately put into words the appreciation I have for Mr. Derrick Mills and MRB Law. He was assertive in his fight for justice for our family during our time of tragedy. Mr. Mills is knowledgeable, passionate and a great communicator. Our relationship began as strangers but ended in friendship thanks to the compassion he showed. Thank you Mr. Mills for being a dedicated professional! Justice done right!
Dana Owens
Related Articles
ETOWAH COUNTY MEDICAL MALPRACTICE VERDICT

An Etowah County jury today returned a $4 million verdict against Gadsden Regional Medical Center for the wrongful acts of one of their nurses. The case was tried by Marsh Rickard & Bryan attorneys Derrick Mills and Dylan Scilabro. The case grew out of the death...

$9 MILLION WRONGFUL DEATH VERDICT

A jury has returned a verdict in the amount of $9 million for plaintiff Herschel Green, the husband of a woman killed at the end of her driveway in Lauderdale County. The case, which lasted 10 days, was tried by Marsh Rickard & Bryan attorneys Rip Andrews and Ty...

VERDICT AGAINST TUSCALOOSA DOCTORS AND HOSPITAL

A Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court jury today returned a verdict against Dr. Bradley Bilton; his practice group University Surgical Associates,P.C.; Dr. George Nunn; Dr. Kenneth Aldridge; and DCH Health Care Authority.  The jury awarded $30 million in damages to the...

Related Videos
Personal Account
Business Account
Investments
Insurance Services
Ohter Services
Debit Card
Credit Card

Your story matters to us

Tell Us Your Story