Bailey et al v. Woodard

Case Background

Jacqueline Bailey and Chastity Hollingsworth filed a lawsuit against Shilo Woodard after a moderate-impact motor vehicle accident. The auto accident lawsuit was filed in the Mississippi Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court, with Judge Gerald Chatham, Sr. presiding. [Case number: 18-39]

Cause

This case centered on a rear-end collision on Interstate 55 on May 5, 2015. Shilo Woodard rear-ended Jacqueline Bailey’s vehicle, in which Chastity Hollingsworth was a passenger. The impact was moderate.

Injury

Bailey and Hollingsworth received treatment in Memphis for soft-tissue injuries. Their care included physical therapy sessions.

Damages

Under this auto negligence lawsuit, the Plaintiffs sought damages for the medical expenses and damages incurred as a result of the accident.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal Representation

  • Plaintiff(s): Jacqueline Bailey | Chastity Hollingsworth
    • Counsel for Plaintiff(s): D. Reid Wamble
  • Defendant(s): Shilo Woodard
    • Counsel for Defendant(s): J. Brian Hyneman

Claims

Since Woodard had conceded fault, the Plaintiffs sought damages for the injuries caused due to Woodward’s negligence.

Defense

Woodard filed a motion in limine asking the court to exclude arguments based on “reptile” tactics related to safety rules. He argued that safety was irrelevant since he had already admitted fault. Judge Chatham sided with Woodard and granted the request. In his order on the motion in limine, the court threatened any sanctions if the order was violated.

Jury Verdict

The trial lasted two days in Hernando. On December 11, 2024, the jury awarded Bailey a general award of $7,000. Further, the jury awarded Hollingsworth $15,000 in damages. The court entered a judgment consistent with the jury’s verdict, awarding a total of $23,000.

Court Documents:

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