Lauren Maloney v. Earl S. Baxley, et al.

Case Background

Lauren Maloney filed an auto negligence lawsuit against Florida Farm Bureau General Insurance Company (“Insurance Co.”), Kaden R. Sigers (“Tortfeasor”), and Earl S. Baxley (“Owner”) following a motor vehicle collision on March 30, 2021, in Macclenny, Florida.

The lawsuit was Florida State, Duval County, Fourth Circuit Court. Judge Michael Sharrit presided over this lawsuit. [Case number: 2023-CA-003585]

Cause

At approximately 7:20 a.m., Tortfeasor, while driving a Ford Mustang owned by the Owner, exited a Wendy’s parking lot and attempted to turn right onto State Road 121. In doing so, Tortfeasor negligently operated the vehicle, causing its front end to collide with the right side of Maloney’s vehicle. Maloney, properly restrained at the time, did not contribute to the crash or her resulting injuries.

At the time of the incident, Maloney was covered under a policy issued by Insurance Co., which provided uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. The policy was in full force and effect, and Maloney’s damages exceeded the available bodily injury coverage of both Tortfeasor and Owner, rendering them underinsured. Pursuant to the policy, Insurance Co. assumed the role of Tortfeasor for coverage purposes. Maloney made a demand for underinsured motorist benefits, but Insurance Co. rejected the offer and failed to make a reasonable counteroffer to resolve the claim.

Damages

The crash caused the Plaintiff to suffer serious injuries, leading to pain, suffering, and lasting physical and emotional distress. The injuries limited daily activities and enjoyment of life. The Plaintiff also faced hospital stays, medical treatments, and ongoing care.

The crash affected the ability to work, causing lost wages and reduced future earning potential. It also worsened a pre-existing condition, making recovery even more challenging. These hardships have had a lasting impact, and the Plaintiff will continue to experience them in the future.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal Representation

  • Plaintiff(s): Lauren Maloney
    • Counsel for Plaintiff(s): Stefano Di Portigliatti | Michael Joyner Humphries
  • Defendant(s): Earl S Baxley | Kaden R Sigers | Florida Farm Bureau General Insurance Company
    • Counsel for Defendant(s): Jackson Thomas Campbell | Victoria Marie Merritt | Jennifer Lee Kass | Roland A Hermida, II | Matthew R Easterwood

Claims

Count I – Negligence Against Tortfeasor

Lauren Maloney sued Kaden R. Sigers (“Tortfeasor”) for negligence after the crash in Macclenny, Florida. Tortfeasor had a duty to drive safely and follow traffic laws but failed to do so. He negligently operated the vehicle by failing to yield, making an improper turn, and driving while distracted. His actions caused the crash and Maloney’s injuries. She sought damages, costs, and interest.

Count II – Strict Vicarious Liability Against Owner

Maloney also sued Earl S. Baxley (“Owner”), who owned the vehicle involved in the crash. Owner gave Tortfeasor permission to drive, making him responsible for Tortfeasor’s negligence under Florida law. Maloney held Owner strictly liable for the crash and pursued damages.

Count III – Underinsured Motorist Claim Against Insurance Co.

Maloney demanded underinsured motorist benefits from Florida Farm Bureau General Insurance Company (“Insurance Co.”) under her policy. At the time of the crash, the policy provided coverage for damages caused by an underinsured driver. Insurance Co. denied her claim and refused to negotiate a fair settlement. Maloney sought compensation for her damages.

Count IV – Declaratory Relief Against Insurance Co.

Maloney requested a court determination of her total damages. This ruling was necessary to establish whether her losses exceeded the available insurance coverage, a condition for pursuing a bad-faith claim against Insurance Co.

Count V – Statutory Bad Faith Against Insurance Co.

Maloney accused Insurance Co. of bad faith under Florida law. She alleged that the company failed to settle her claim fairly, engaged in unfair practices, and prioritized its financial interests over hers. Despite filing a Civil Remedy Notice, Insurance Co. did not correct its violations. Maloney sought damages, attorney’s fees, and interest due to the company’s failure to act in good faith.

Defense

Kaden R. Sigers and Earl S. Baxley, the Defendants, denied the allegations in the Plaintiff’s Second Amended Complaint due to insufficient knowledge and demanded strict proof. They acknowledged their duty to operate a motor vehicle according to Florida law but disputed the Plaintiff’s claims. The Defendants also denied various allegations across multiple counts, arguing that some were not directed at them. They demanded a jury trial and judgment for costs and damages, asserting affirmative defenses including the Plaintiff’s potential contributory negligence and failure to mitigate damages.

Florida Farm Bureau General Insurance Company responded to the Plaintiff’s Second Amended Complaint, admitting certain facts for jurisdictional purposes, including the Plaintiff’s insurance coverage under Policy AP1287578. The Defendant denied other claims due to a lack of knowledge or ambiguity. The Defendant moved to dismiss Counts IV and V, citing prior court orders and ongoing motions. Affirmative defenses included the Plaintiff’s own negligence, failure to mitigate damages, and pre-existing injuries. Defendant also argued that Plaintiff’s recovery for medical expenses should be limited to amounts accepted by healthcare providers and invoked the Florida Motor Vehicle No-Fault Law. The Defendant demanded a jury trial and certified the document’s service to the Plaintiff’s attorneys.

The jury trial proceeded against Kaden R. Sigers and Earl S. Baxley.

Jury Verdict

On February 10, 2025, the jury found Kaden R. Sigers negligent and determined that his actions legally caused Lauren Maloney’s injuries and damages. The jury awarded Maloney $15,986 for past medical expenses but did not allocate any amount for future medical costs.

However, the jury did not find that Maloney sustained a significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function, permanent scarring or disfigurement, a permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability, or a permanent aggravation of a pre-existing condition. Since the jury answered “No” to this question, it did not proceed further with awarding damages for pain and suffering or other non-economic losses.

Court Documents:

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