Allen v. Tennessee Farmers

Case Background

Alicia Allen filed a personal injury lawsuit against Tenessee Farmers Mutual Insurance Company seeking damages after suffering a broken ankle in a head-on motor vehicle collision with an uninsured motorist.

The case was filed in the Shelby County Circuit Court, Tennessee. Judge Felicia Corbin Johnson presided over this case. [Case number: CT-4897-21]

Cause

On the evening of January 8, 2021, Alicia Allen, a 59-year-old medical billing clerk, drove on Lamar Avenue near Park in Memphis. She was waiting in the center lane to turn into a Popeye’s restaurant. Meanwhile, Fidadelfo Laynes drove toward her in a BMW sedan. As he approached a slight curve, Laynes failed to follow it and veered into the turn lane, heading straight for Allen’s vehicle.

The two cars collided head-on with significant force, pushing Allen’s car into the vehicle behind her. Initially, Allen was shaken but didn’t believe she was injured. She managed to step out of her car, but when she put weight on her left leg, she immediately felt pain in her ankle. The pain was mild at first, and although an ambulance arrived, Allen refused transport to the hospital.

The following morning, Allen woke up to find the pain in her ankle had worsened. She decided to visit an urgent care center for further evaluation.

Injury

Allen was diagnosed with a lateral ankle fracture. She later consulted with Dr. Benjamin Greer, an orthopedist, who opted for nonoperative treatment. Over time, the fracture shifted and healed improperly. This caused damage to the ankle joint, resulting in arthritis. Dr. Greer testified that the injury was permanent, and Allen would experience ongoing pain. He recommended that she wear an external brace to provide additional stability.

Damages

Allen filed this lawsuit seeking economic and non-economic compensation for injuries and damages caused by the head-on collision.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal Representation

  • Plaintiff(s): Alicia Allen
    • Counsel for Plaintiff(s): Derek O. Fairchilds
  • Defendant(s): Tennessee Farmers Mutual Insurance Company
    • Counsel for Defendant(s): Nicholas Owens

Claims

Laynes was an uninsured motorist and was never served with legal papers. As a result, Allen pursued a lawsuit against her uninsured motorist (UM) carrier, Tennessee Farmers Mutual Insurance Company. The policy had a limit of $100,000. Liability for the accident was not in dispute.

Defense

Tennessee Farmers defended its insured by arguing that Allen could not recall striking her ankle during the crash. The insurer suggested that the injury might have occurred when Allen stepped out of the car or possibly between the accident and her visit to urgent care the next morning. Tennessee Farmers also downplayed the severity of the ankle injury, arguing that Allen’s mobility issues were more likely due to her pre-existing conditions, such as morbid obesity, diabetes, and multiple prior knee surgeries.

Jury Verdict

The jury deliberated only on damages. Allen presented medical bills totaling $20,493 and an additional $1,500 in lost wages. The jury awarded $50,000 for both her past and future pain and suffering. They also valued her loss of enjoyment of life at $39,003 for both the past and future. Lastly, for her permanent injury, the jury granted $100,000. The total verdict amounted to $300,000, exceeding the plaintiff’s UM policy limits.

Court Documents:

Available upon request