Linda Cahill v. The Travelers Home and Marine Insurance Company

Parties Involved

 

  • Defendant(s): The Travelers Home and Marine Insurance Company

Verdict Information

  • Verdict Date: June 7, 2024
  • Total damages awarded to Plaintiff: $198,813.97
    •  For total economic damages: $38,813.97
    • For non-economic damages: $160,000

About the Case

Cause

Linda Cahill, a resident of Glastonbury, Connecticut, filed a complaint against Elizabeth Wallace and others in the Superior Court of Hartford, Connecticut, on October 20, 2021. The case originated from a car accident that occurred on July 27, 2019, at approximately 3:36 p.m. on Route 4 in Farmington. Hannah Leroy, a resident of Manchester, Connecticut, was driving behind Cahill when she suddenly collided with the vehicle in front of her, which then hit Cahill’s car. The complaint alleged that Leroy’s negligence caused the accident, citing violations such as following too closely, failing to keep a proper lookout, and not applying brakes in time to avoid the collision.

The complaint also involved Cahill’s insurance company, The Travelers Home and Marine Insurance Company (Travelers), as Leroy was deemed underinsured according to Connecticut law and the terms of Cahill’s insurance contract. Cahill had a policy with Travelers that included uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage pursuant to Section 38a-336 of the Connecticut General Statutes. This coverage obligated Travelers to pay Cahill any sums she was legally entitled to recover from an underinsured motorist, up to the policy limits.

Cahill asserted that she had complied with her duties under the insurance contract and had exhausted the limits of Leroy’s applicable insurance policies. Consequently, she sought additional compensation from Travelers for damages not covered by Leroy’s insurance. The complaint emphasized Travelers’ liability under the terms of their insurance contract for the bodily injuries sustained by Cahill that were not compensated by Leroy’s coverage.

Injury

As a result of the car accident, Cahill suffered various physical injuries, some potentially permanent in nature. These injuries included tinnitus, exacerbation of a pre-existing cervical injury, a right ankle injury, exacerbation of a pre-existing concussive injury, and headaches and migraines. Cahill sought compensation for medical expenses already incurred and anticipated future medical costs. Additionally, she claimed damages for the impairment of her ability to pursue and enjoy life’s pleasures.

Damages

The plaintiff demanded compensatory damages exceeding $15,000, exclusive of costs and interest in the car accident lawsuit. Cahill also sought compensation for medical expenses already incurred and anticipated future medical costs. Additionally, she claimed damages for the impairment of her ability to pursue and enjoy life’s pleasures.

Jury Verdict

The jury awarded damages totaling $198,813.97. This amount consisted of $38,813.97 in total economic damages and $160,000 in total non-economic damages.

 Court Documents:

Complaint

Jury Verdict