Special Remarks
The jury verdict was subsequently reduced to $ 1,256,276.83, due to the statutory provisions of the Annotated Code of Maryland which established an arbitrary, but automatic, cap on non-economic damages of $680,000 for injuries that occurred in 2007.
Mr. Campen believes he has protected the judgment from being discharged in bankruptcy. Bankruptcy laws indicate that debts arising out of one’s driving while under the influence are not dischargeable. Mr. Campen called three witnesses regarding the alcohol issue at trial, one of whom had been drinking with Ms. Lowery for two hours prior to the accident, one who had been an eyewitness and spoken to Ms. Lowery at the scene (and opined she was under the influence) and Ms. Moore, who had known Lowery prior to the collision and to whom Lowery later admitted she had been under the influence and had left the scene to escape arrest. At the conclusion of the Plaintiff’s case, Judge Long granted Ms. Moore’s motion for a directed verdict on both the issue of liability and on the issue of Ms. Lowery driving under the influence. Thus, the jury only had to decide the issue of appropriate compensation due to Ms. Moore.
Mr. Campen asked the jury to send a message to people who drink, drive and cause injuries to others and the jury did that loudly and clearly.