August 21, 2007, 19 year old Kendra Lymon was driving her Dodge Neon through an intersection and was struck by Robert Bohn, a part time tractor-trailer driver for Bynum Transport, Inc. Another tractor-trailer in the opposite turn lane blocked Bohn’s view, but he turned left anyway hitting Lymon on her driver’s side and crushing the entire vehicle. Bohn insisted he had a green arrow, but it was later found, through eyewitnesses, that Lymon had the green light.
Prior to the accident Lymon was a student of South Florida community College, majoring in psychology. Lymon had a bright future ahead of her. She spoke six languages and was working as an aide for the Florida Institute of Neurologic Rehabilitation. Since the car accident, she has been left with extensive personal injuries, including a traumatic brain injury, which require her to be under constant supervision. She needs assistance with everyday tasks such as bathing, dressing, eating, and all routine tasks and must also use a wheelchair.
On March 18, 2009 a jury returned a personal injury verdict in the amount of $65 million for the plaintiff. Bynum Transport and Robert Bohn argued the amount was excessive, should be reduced and requested a new trial. In their appeal, they specifically challenged the $41,443,401 award for “pain and suffering, disability, physical impairment, disfigurement, mental anguish, inconvenience, aggravation of disease or physical defect, or loss of capacity for the enjoyment of life.”
In a one-page ruling, the Lakeland based appellate court affirmed the decision to award the jury’s verdict.
The family is pleased, as this money will help provide the 24-hour care Kendra needs to live.
