William Jackson Adams, Individually, et al vs. Kim Michelle Johnston, et al

Case Background

On October 11, 2019, Plaintiff William Jackson Adams, Individually, filed a wrongful death and car accident lawsuit in the Florida State, Duval County, Fourth Circuit Court (Case number: 2019-CA-007253). Judge Michael Sharrit presided over this case.

Cause

On December 9, 2018, Cathy Adams rode as a passenger in a vehicle traveling through St. Johns County, Florida. Her husband, William “Jackson” Adams, lawfully drove the car with care and prudence. At the same time, Kim Michelle Johnston, who had been drinking at Miller’s Ale House, drove negligently and collided with Adams’ car. The crash caused severe injuries to Cathy Adams, leading to her death.

The lawsuit alleged that Miller’s Ale House knowingly served alcohol to Johnston despite her habitual addiction to alcoholic beverages. This action violated Florida’s dram shop law.

Injuries

The car accident caused fatal injuries to Cathy Adams. Her husband and children suffered significant emotional distress, loss of companionship, and financial hardship. William “Jackson” Adams sustained personal injuries, including pain and suffering, medical expenses, and loss of income.

The wrongful death claim asserted that Cathy Adams’ estate suffered losses, including lost earnings and the loss of future financial support. The lawsuit also sought compensation for funeral expenses and the mental anguish of her surviving family members.

Damages

The wrongful death lawsuit sought damages for the loss of support, companionship, and financial security suffered by Cathy Adams’ surviving family members.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal representation

  • Plaintiff(s):William Jackson Adams, Individually | William Jackson Adams, as Personal Representative for the Estate of Cathy Adams, Deceased | Jacob Adams | Holly Adams
    • Counsel for Plaintiff: Matthew Rhodes | Dennis Patrick Dore | Ronald E. Sholes | Alexander Dillon Nobregas
  • Defendant(s):Kim Michelle Johnston | Miller’s Ale House, Inc.
    • Counsel for Defendants: Robert Michael O’Malley | Elizabeth Holland Howanitz | Tara Stewart Floyd

Claims

The lawsuit accused Kim Michelle Johnston and Miller’s Ale House of negligence and wrongful death. It alleged that Johnston failed to operate her vehicle safely, which directly caused the crash. The complaint further asserted that Miller’s Ale House violated Florida law by serving alcohol to a known habitual drinker, contributing to the accident.

Defense

Kim Michelle Johnston denied responsibility for the accident that caused Cathy Adams’ death. She argued that William “Jackson” Adams’ negligence either solely caused or contributed to the crash. She claimed that any damages should be reduced under the doctrine of comparative negligence.

Johnston also asserted that third parties, not under her control, might have contributed to the accident. She argued that Adams failed to wear a seatbelt, which worsened his injuries. Additionally, she contended that Adams’ injuries did not meet Florida’s threshold for tort liability and that any damages should be offset by personal injury protection benefits. She maintained that Adams failed to mitigate damages and reserved the right to introduce further defenses.

Jury Verdict

On February 13, 2025, the jury found Kim Michelle Johnston 90% negligent and Cathy Adams 10% negligent in the December 9, 2018, car accident. It awarded William Adams $789,358.06 for past medical expenses and $29,000 for future medical expenses. The jury granted him $4,200,000 for past and future pain and suffering, disability, physical impairment, disfigurement, mental anguish, inconvenience, aggravation of disease or physical defect, and loss of capacity for the enjoyment of life.

Cathy Adams’ estate received $158,672 for medical expenses. The jury awarded William Adams $190,477.97 for past losses and $566,255.41 for future losses related to his wife’s support and services. It also granted him $4,200,000 for past and future damages stemming from the loss of his wife’s companionship and protection, as well as for the pain and suffering caused by her injury and death.

Holly Adams received $1,500,000 for past and future damages related to the loss of parental companionship, instruction, and guidance. She also received compensation for the pain and suffering caused by her mother’s death. Jacob Adams received the same amount for similar damages. The jury also awarded Holly and Jacob Adams $1,500,000 each for past and future emotional distress due to their mother’s death. In total, the jury awarded $14,633,763.44 in damages.

Court Documents:

Documents are available for purchase upon request at jurimatic@exlitem.com