Culp v. Hufana

Case Background

Nancy Culp filed a negligence lawsuit after she struck a runaway horse and sustained injuries. The runaway horse lawsuit was filed in the Kentucky 13th Judicial Circuit Court, with Judge Hunter Daugherty presiding. [Case number: 20-432]

Cause

Michael and Anetta Speaks owned a farm in Jessamine County. David Hufana, the owner of a Tennessee Walking Horse named Pushers Secret Double, boarded the horse at the Speaks’ farm. Pushers Secret Double was a beautiful black horse with white socks and a long pedigree. Truston Romans lived at the farm.

On the evening of September 6, 2015, Pushers Secret Double escaped, likely through an open gate or a broken fence. The horse wandered onto Danville Loop 1 Road in Nicholasville, an area lacking proper lighting. Nancy Culp, the plaintiff, struck the horse while driving on the darkened road. The collision was severe, and as a result, Pushers Secret Double had to be euthanized.

Injury

Since the incident, Culp received treatment for various soft-tissue injuries and ongoing chronic pain.

Damages

Culp’s medical expenses totaled $51,495, covering the EMS trip, ER visit, and treatment from her primary care physician, chiropractor, and physical therapist. In addition to her medical bills, Culp sought compensation for pain and suffering.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal Representation

  • Plaintiff(s): Nancy Culp
    • Counsel for Plaintiff(s): Carolyn C. Ely
  • Defendant(s): Joseph D. Buckles
    • Counsel for Defendant(s): Joseph D. Buckles

Claims

In this lawsuit, Culp sued three defendants: Romans (the resident), the Speakses (the property owners), and Hufana (the horse’s owner). The claim was that the defendants allowed Pushers Secret Double to roam freely on the highway by either failing to repair the broken fence or leaving the gate open. The court ruled on liability, finding the Speakses responsible.

The case went to the jury against Hufana, the horse’s owner, who had legal representation, and Romans, who defended himself after receiving a subpoena.

Jury Verdict

The jury determined that Hufana was entirely at fault and did not assign any liability to Romans or the plaintiff.

Next, the jury considered damages. Culp claimed $51,594 in medical expenses and an additional $150,000 for pain and suffering. The total verdict amounted to $201,594.

Court Documents:

Available for purchase upon request