Terrence Rogers et al. v. Owen Chambers

Parties Involved

  • Plaintiff(s): Terrence Rogers | Frank Jackson
    • Counsel for Plaintiff: J. Webber III, Esq.
  • Defendant(s): Owen Chambers
    • Counsel for Defendants: Mazza & Welch

Verdict Information

  • Verdict Date: May 15, 2024
  • Total damages awarded to Plaintiff:$0 (Verdict for Defendant)

 About the Case

Cause

On October 7, 2020, around 3:45 pm, a rear-end collision occurred on Stevens Street, a public road in West Haven, Connecticut. Terrence Rogers was driving northbound in the northbound lane of Stevens Street. Frank Jackson was a passenger in Rogers’ vehicle at the time.

As Rogers was backing his vehicle toward a private driveway, Owen Chambers, who was driving directly behind Rogers’ vehicle, suddenly and without warning collided with the rear of Rogers’ car.

Rogers and Jackson subsequently filed a personal injury lawsuit against Chambers in the Superior Court of New Haven on September 12, 2022. Rogers and Jackson alleged that Chambers’ negligence caused the rear-end crash and their resulting injuries. Specifically, the complaint stated that Chambers failed to keep his vehicle under reasonable control, failed to maintain a proper lookout, failed to apply brakes in time to avoid the collision, failed to sound the horn or provide a timely warning, failed to turn and avoid the collision, failed to use proper precautions, failed to remain alert, operated at an excessive speed violating statute and common law, failed to maintain a single travel lane, and followed too closely behind Rogers’ vehicle in violation of laws.

Injury

Rogers sustained cervical spine injuries, thoracic spine injuries, lumbar spine injuries, headaches, and associated physical pain and suffering. He suffered mental anguish, anxiety over his injuries, incurred medical expenses for care, treatment, and medications with future costs anticipated, lost income from being limited in his occupation, and a diminished ability to enjoy normal activities. Jackson incorporated the negligence allegations against Chambers from Count One. Jackson claimed he suffered cervical and thoracic spine injuries, physical pain and suffering, mental anguish and anxiety over injuries, medical costs with future expenses expected, lost wages from occupation limitations, and an inability to participate in normal activities.

Damages

Rogers and Jackson sought compensatory damages in excess of $15,000 for economic damages like medical bills and lost income as well as non-economic damages like pain, suffering, and diminished quality of life resulting from the rear-end collision allegedly caused by Chambers’ negligent driving.

Jury Verdict

The jury found in favor of the defendant, Owen Chambers and against the plaintiffs.

Court Documents:

Complaint

Jury Verdict