Melerine Et Al V. Williams Et Al

Case Background

Stacey Melerine filed an auto negligence lawsuit against Ladarius Williams, a truck driver, for a side-swipe collision that was caused by his negligence and recklessness. The case was filed in the United States District Court, Louisiana Western (Shreveport). The case was assigned to Judge Jerry Edwards Jr and referred to Magistrate Judge Kayla D McClusky. [Case number:  5:22cv6127]

Cause

On August 11, 2021, Stacey Melerine, 36, drove her Acura sedan in heavy traffic on I-20 in Bossier City. At the time, she served on the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BASE), while her husband, Michael Melerine, was a newly elected member of the Louisiana legislature.

Melerine traveled in the right lane as Ladarius Williams, a Ty & Tan Express truck driver, operated a tractor-trailer with a flatbed in the adjacent left lane. According to Melerine, Williams suddenly veered into her lane and struck her vehicle. The moderate impact scraped the passenger side of her Acura, and the truck lost a front tire during the incident. Williams, however, claimed that Melerine had entered his lane, creating a factual dispute.

Although the collision caused no injuries, both drivers took numerous photos of the scene to document the event.

Injury

Within hours of the collision, Stacey Melerine began experiencing neck and shoulder pain. Later that day, she sought treatment at the emergency room at St. Christus. After receiving care, she was treated and released.

In the weeks and months that followed, Melerine reported persistent and widespread pain in her neck and back. She pursued an extensive course of treatment, which included steroid injections and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) procedures.

Her treating physician, Dr. Philip Utter, a specialist in spine surgery, confirmed that her injuries were permanent. He also linked these injuries directly to the crash.

Damages

Stacey Melerine pursued damages to cover her medical expenses and the anticipated costs of her future care. Additionally, she sought compensation for non-economic damages, including pain and suffering. Her husband initially filed a derivative claim for loss of consortium but voluntarily dismissed it as the trial commenced.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal Representation

  • Plaintiff(s):  Stacey Melerine |
    • Counsel for Plaintiff(s):  Alan T Seabaugh | Brandon Trey Morris | Elizabeth Ann Hancock | Joshua Lynn Powell | Justin Carey Dewett | Anna Chandler Higgins | Eric Matthew Whitehead
  • Defendant(s): Ladarius Williams | Duran Express LLC | Ty & Tan Express L L C
    • Counsel for Defendant(s): Lottie L Bash | Christopher Michael Chesne | David J Patin, Jr | Emily Fruge | J Geoffrey Ormsby | Reagan H Moody

Claims

Plaintiff claimed her injuries were caused due to the motor vehicle accident caused by Defendant’s recklessness.

Defense

The defense first removed the case from Bossier Parish to federal court. They concentrated on disputing liability and worked to downplay the severity of the alleged injuries.

Jury Verdict

On November 06, 2024, the jury found both parties at fault in this auto negligence lawsuit. Williams was assigned 70% of the fault and 30% to Melerine. The jury awarded the following damages to Melerine:

  • Past medical expenses: $105,000
  • Future medical expenses: $175,000

The total award came up to $280,000 for Melerine.

Court Documents:

Available upon request