Desire Dorsey, Individually, and as Parent of Jermaine Washington, a Minor vs. Richard Tate

Case Background

On May 21, 2023, Plaintiff Desire Dorsey filed a Personal injury lawsuit in the Circuit Court of Baltimore City, Maryland State(Case number: 24-C-23-001943). Videtta Brown presided over this case.

Cause

On September 27, 2022, plaintiffs Desire Dorsey and her 3-year-old son Jermaine Washington were involved in a collision when Richard Tate broadsided their vehicle. Dorsey, acting individually and on behalf of her son, sued Tate for negligence in the operation of his vehicle. The defense did not dispute liability in the personal injury lawsuit.

Injuries

After the accident, the plaintiffs went to an emergency room for evaluation, though neither required an ambulance. Jermaine had a bump on his head but did not receive any further treatment after the emergency room visit. Dorsey, however, claimed to have sustained back and shoulder sprains and strains, along with C5 and C6 avulsion fractures. She attended several physical therapy sessions and consulted with an orthopedic surgeon. Her primary care doctor indicated that the neck fractures healed on their own without requiring further intervention.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal representation

  • Plaintiff(s): Desire Dorsey, Individually, and as Parent of Jermaine Washington, a Mino
    • Counsel for Plaintiff: Dustin Furman
  • Defendant(s): Richard Tate
    • Counsel for Defendants: Kyle Blakeley

Claims

Plaintiffs’ counsel requested the jury award Jermaine $10,000 for past noneconomic damages, acknowledging the minor head injury he suffered. As for Dorsey, she sought $300,000 in past and future noneconomic damages, citing ongoing neck pain that interfered with her daily activities. Dorsey did not present any medical bills or records as evidence but testified that her injuries had significantly impacted her life, complicating her personal injury lawsuit.

Defense

The defense argued that the avulsion fractures Dorsey sustained were the result of a previous collision, not the accident in question. They contended that the only injuries Dorsey suffered from the subject accident were temporary sprains and strains. Defense counsel emphasized that Dorsey’s treatment had ended long before the trial and that her physical therapy sessions were limited. For damages, the defense suggested that the jury should award Jermaine $3,000 and Dorsey $7,000, downplaying the severity of the injuries in the personal injury lawsuit.

Jury Verdict

On June 5, 2024, the jury returned a verdict awarding Desire Dorsey a total of $175,000 in damages. This included $25,000 in past noneconomic damages, acknowledging the pain and suffering she experienced due to the injuries sustained in the accident. In addition, the jury awarded Dorsey $150,000 for past and future noneconomic damages, recognizing the ongoing impact of her injuries on her daily life. The defense had suggested a much lower award, but the jury determined that the extent of Dorsey’s injuries and their effect on her quality of life warranted the amount awarded in the personal injury lawsuit.

Court Documents:

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