Verdicts & Settlements

$23.6 Million Jury Award for Medical Malpractice Involving Failure to Diagnose Breast Cancer

Merkel & Cocke, in collaboration with two other law firms, obtained a jury verdict in the total amount of $23,600,000 from a Shelby County, Tennessee jury against a doctor and her medical practice for the doctor’s negligence in failing to timely diagnose breast cancer in our client.  At the time of the jury’s award, it was the highest medical malpractice verdict in Tennessee history.

$20 Million Jury Award for Construction Zone – Accident Victim – Tolivar V. City of Clarksdale

Despite an initial police report claiming that our client was responsible for the injuries he sustained in an automobile collision, we were able to show that he was not at fault. The accident occurred when our client, Tolivar, attempted from a side street to enter a highway that was under construction. He was hit by an oncoming police car and suffered permanently disabling brain damage. The police report indicated that Toliver had run a stop sign, but our thorough investigation revealed that this was not the case. The stop sign, in fact, was down at the time of the accident and the client’s line of vision in the direction of the oncoming police car was obscured by a parked piece of construction equipment. The police report had been falsified to protect the officer who hit our client. We settled for their policy limits with the policeman and city ahead of trial and received a jury award of $20 million against the general contractor.

$12.9 Million Settlement in Vehicle Roll-over, Product Liability/Crashworthiness Case

Our client was paralyzed in a motor vehicle accident involving a roll-over on the highway.  We alleged that the roof support structures of the vehicle did not meet crash worthiness standards for roof crush which caused our client’s neck injury and paralysis. The case eventually settled for $12.9 million.

$9.9 Million in Settlements for Client’s Construction Site Injuries

Our client received life-altering injuries including paralysis when he fell from an elevated position at a construction site.  Multiple parties were alleged to have been responsible for contributing to the accident, and our client’s settlements totaled approximately $9.9 million.

$3 Million in Settlements for Medical Malpractice Involving a Ruptured Ectopic Pregnancy

Our client presented to an ER with severe abdominal pain.  We alleged that she did not receive an adequate work-up in the ER, which would have revealed that she had an ectopic pregnancy (tubal pregnancy).  Her fallopian tube ruptured in the ER causing a massive internal bleed, which resulted in severe brain damage.  Her case was settled for $3,000,000.00.

$3 Million Medical Malpractice Settlements for Clients’ Improper Cancer Diagnosis

We represented several clients who had been diagnosed with prostate cancer by their treating physicians and improperly treated with injections to contain the cancer. However, there was one major problem. Our clients did not have cancer. This resulted in settlements of approximately $3,000,000.00.

$3 Million Medical Malpractice Settlement for Failure to Diagnose Pulmonary Embolism

The firm represented a family with regard to failure to diagnose a pulmonary embolism. The patient was sent home without any testing despite symptoms of chest pain and shortness of breath. She died at home the next day. Settled for $3,000,000, paid by two insurance companies for the family doctor.

$2.4 Million Jury Verdict For OB/GYN Malpractice for Multiple Injuries Sustained During and After Labor

Partners Charlie Merkel, Jr. and Charles Merkel, III secured a $2.4 million jury verdict against Dr. James Holzhauer, after a Lowndes jury found him ultimately responsible for the injuries she sustained during labor, delivery, and post-partum care. Our client suffered a rare complication during childbirth – a uterine rupture – which put the life of her and her child at risk. We invite you to read more about the case.

$2 Million Medical Malpractice Verdict – Gibbs v. Kings Daughter Hospital

Our 18-year-old client suffered paralysis and bowel and bladder dysfunction after emergency room staff failed to diagnose her arterial venous malformation. Gibbs first went to King’s Daughters Hospital emergency room with intense lower back pain. She was subsequently released. The next evening, she went to Delta Regional Medical Center, but they sent her back to King’s Daughters, where she was again released. The next night, Gibbs had numbness in her legs. Her physician at King’s Daughter examined her and released her. By the next morning, Gibbs was paralyzed from the waist down. An ambulance brought her to Delta Regional, where a neurologist finally diagnosed her paralysis and ordered a myelogram. Because he did not order the myelogram “stat,”, her surgery was not performed for 12 hours. By then, permanent damage had occurred. The neurologist and Delta Regional settled for a confidential amount. A jury verdict against King’s Daughters and the emergency room physician awarded Gibbs $2 million.

$2 Million Medical Malpractice Settlement in Failure to Diagnose Cancer Case

A radiologist misinterpreted imaging of our client at a time when his cancerous tumor was treatable.  This caused a significant delay in his cancer diagnosis.  Because of the delay in diagnosis and treatment, our client’s cancerous tumor grew and his prognosis was significantly worse.

$1.99 Million Verdict in Products Liability – Heath v. State Industries, Inc.

Three-year-old Kendra Heath accidentally knocked over a gasoline container in her home’s storage room, and the pilot light in her family’s water heater caught fire. She suffered burns over 60% of her body and required extensive medical treatment, including multiple surgeries. The manufacturer of the water heater, State Industries, Inc., did not include adequate warnings about the dangers associated with gas-operated water heaters. We argued that the company was responsible for warning consumers not to place the water heater near flammable products such as gasoline and to keep it at least one and a half feet above the ground. Our clients were awarded $1.7 million dollars by the jury to which the judge added $290,000 to cover Kendra’s medical expenses.

$1.9 Million Medical Malpractice Settlements – Marlow v. Moore

We demonstrated that our client suffered a severe birth injury as a result of the obstetrician’s negligence. The night before the infant was born, the mother’s contractions slowed but she was left untreated by the obstetrician and his nursing staff. During delivery, the doctor’s inappropriate use of forceps left the child with arm and shoulder injuries. When the baby was born, the obstetrician refused to let the neonatal nurse intubate the child as was necessary, trying instead to do it himself. After repeated failures, he allowed the nurse to correctly perform the procedure. We were able to show that the negligence of the physician and his staff was a direct cause of our client’s permanent brain injuries. The defendants (the obstetrician and his hospital) settled for a combined $1,900,000.

$1.9 Million Settlement for Radiology Misread

Our client sustained leg fractures in a motor vehicle accident and was taken to the hospital.  Radiology imaging was ordered and revealed damage to an artery. However, our client did not receive timely treatment for the vascular injury, and his leg had to be amputated.

$1.7 Million Settlement for Family Seriously Injured by a Tractor-Trailer

Merkel & Cocke was able to secure a $1.7 million settlement for a woman and her family who were run off the road by a "phantom" tractor-trailer. We were able to use dash cam footage and surveillance from a local fast food restaurant to find out who the truck driver was. We invite you to read more about the case here.

$1.6 Million+ Defective Product Verdict – Prestage v. Sperry-New Holland

Our client, a 21-year-old farmer, was working on his 1969 Ford New Holland combine when an accident cost him his leg. He was using the machine to harvest and thresh wheat. In this type of combine, after the wheat is collected, the machine separates the heads from the straw and deposits the heads in a holding tank. The separation is facilitated by two rotating augers, a leveling auger and a discharge auger. They help to move the grain through the machine. At the time of the accident, the discharge auger was clogged, and our client was trying to reach a stick to fix it. As he leaned forward, however, his shirt was caught on the bolt of the leveling auger, and he was pulled down into the tank. His foot slipped beneath the discharge auger’s shield and was severely injured. He had to have his leg amputated below the knee. We argued that the combine’s protruding bolt was defective, the shields insufficient, and the manufacturer’s manual deficient in explaining how to safely fix discharge auger clogs. Although Prestage was found to be partly at fault, the jury found the manufacturer strictly liable. Our client was awarded $1.4 million, and his wife was awarded $212,250.

$1.5 Million Verdict for Woman Critically Injured by an 18-Wheeler

Our client had a torn rotator cuff tear that led to surgery, had a double disk fusion and a disk replacement (two surgeries), was diagnosed with occipital neuralgia (which are really bad headaches), and had approximately $359,000 in medical bills. We had expert medical testimony that she would need expensive shots going forward to treat her headaches. The defense originally offered a settlement of $170,000 during mediation. The jury was out about 2.5 hours before awarding our client $1 million for pain and suffering, and $500,000 in economic losses.

Read more about the case.

$1.5 Million Medical Malpractice Settlement for Pulmonary Embolism Death

In a similar factual case to the one immediately above, we represented the family of an individual who reported chest pain and shortness of breath to her doctor following a leg surgery.  We alleged that the physician failed to act on his patient’s classic pulmonary embolism symptoms and presentation, causing death.  The patient’s surviving children and spouse received a $1.5 million settlement.

$1.5 Million Wrongful Death Award against Delta Regional Medical Center

Merkel & Cocke, PA won a $1.5 million judgment on behalf of the estate and family of Vanessa Jernigan, whose untimely death was caused by Delta Regional Medical Center’s (DRMC) breach of care. The verdict of $1.5 million reflected the trial judge’s evaluation of the value of the loss of a mother to her three children, which the judge was forced to reduce because of a legislative arbitrary cap that devalues life. Attorneys Charlie Merkel, Jr. and Christopher Winter represented the family of Vanessa Jernigan.

Read more about the case here.

$1.4 Million Wrongful Death/Medical Malpractice Settlement

Merkel & Cocke represented a young child whose mother died in the hospital from blood loss following a relatively minor surgical procedure.  A $1.4 million settlement was reached with a doctor and hospital.

$1.1 Million Judgment for Fatal Truck Accident

Merkel & Cocke, P.A. recently obtained a $1.1 million judgment on behalf of a client in a fatal truck accident case. This award was for the maximum amount of compensation available through the trucking company’s insurance policy.

$1 Million+ Surgical Malpractice Settlement

In this medical malpractice case, the client was diagnosed with an aortic aneurism. Surgical stenting was recommended. Following surgery, the patient developed ischemic complications and died. A mid seven-figure settlement was reached.

$1 Million+ Settlement for Client Struck by 18-Wheeler

In a case dealing with a trucking accident, our client was operating a truck in Benton County Mississippi on U.S. Highway 78. Our client was struck from the rear by an 18-wheel truck, causing his vehicle to crash. Our client received substantial injuries and died approximately 3 weeks later. The case settled for well over a million dollars.

$1 Million+ Medical Malpractice Settlement for Family of Victim Who Died

In a medical malpractice case, our client had pre-term premature rupture of her membranes. Our client was admitted to the hospital for observation. After 4 days, our client developed chorioamnionitis, an infection of the uterine cavity. The client died the next day. It was asserted the physician and hospital were negligent in failing to appropriately counsel the patient and in failing to timely evacuate the uterus and administer antibiotics. This case also settled for well over a million dollars.

$1 Million+ Medical Malpractice Settlement for Misdiagnosis

In this medical malpractice case, the Plaintiff was diagnosed with a bruit, or irregular flow of blood in the carotid arteries. A carotid ultrasound was ordered. Based on the results, a carotid endarterectomy was ordered, which in turn resulted in a stroke with permanent neurologic and physical deficits. The Plaintiff claimed he was not an appropriate candidate and should not have had surgery. A seven-figure settlement was reached.

$1 Million+ Medical Malpractice Settlement for Emergency Room Misdiagnosis

In a medical malpractice case, our client died from pulmonary embolus. In this case, our client went to the emergency room on two occasions complaining of chest pain and was sent home. She died the next day from a pulmonary embolus. It was proven that the emergency room doctors should have suspected a pulmonary embolism and admitted her to the hospital for treatment which would have prevented her death. We settled the case for mid seven figures.

$1 Million+ Surgical Malpractice Settlement for Child after the Loss of His Mother

A lady who had recently given birth to her first child underwent a relatively routine surgery to remove her gall bladder. Following the surgery, while on anti-coagulation therapy, she began to bleed internally in the hospital. The nurses and doctors in charge of her care failed to timely recognize the signs and symptoms of an internal bleed until it was too late. The young lady died as a result of the internal bleeding, and her very young son was awarded a seven-figure settlement.

$1 Million Settlement of Legal Malpractice Claim

In this legal malpractice case, the attorney failed to search and find all heirs of the deceased.  Unfortunately for him, there were other heirs of the deceased that did not benefit from the settlement that he and his firm had successfully received.  As such, his law firm’s legal malpractice errors and omissions insurance carrier settled this case for $1 million.

Just Under $1 Million Medical Malpractice Settlement for Failure to Diagnose and Treat Cancer

In this medical malpractice case, radiologists who analyzed client’s yearly mammograms noted the same suspicious mass on three occasions before recommending that a biopsy be performed. Additionally, the client’s regular family physician failed to perform clinical breast exams, which would have revealed a palpable mass. When a biopsy was finally performed, approximately four years after the mass was first noted, it revealed that the mass was, in fact, cancer, which by that time had metastasized. Merkel & Cocke asserted that the delay in diagnosing and treating the cancer caused the cancer to spread throughout the client’s body to the point that it was incurable. The client was awarded close to a million dollars.

Just Under $1 Million Settlement for Crash with an 18-Wheeler

Recovery for a young girl injured in automobile collision when an 18-wheeler ran a red light and hit her Miata, throwing her out of vehicle. She sustained numerous broken bones and permanent impairment. We settled for almost seven figures.

Just Under $1 Million Settlement for Failure to Monitor Kidney Function in Diabetic Patient

Diabetic patients need regular monitoring of their kidney function.  Our client was seen regularly by a physician treating his diabetes, but his kidney function was not evaluated appropriately with a simple lab test.  His kidneys stopped working requiring him to go on dialysis.  A policy limits settlement was reached on his behalf.

$750,000 Settlement for Delayed Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Mammogram imaging showed a suspicious mass in our client’s breast.  Her doctors failed to recommend a biopsy to determine if the mass was cancerous.  When it was eventually diagnosed as cancer, it was more advanced and our client’s treatment options were limited.   We settled with the doctors for $750,000.

$650,000 Auto Accident Settlement

We represented the family of a woman killed in a head-on collision on a rural highway.  There was a dispute as to who crossed the center line.  Our clients received a $650,000 settlement.

$525,000 Settlement for Burn Injuries – Chism v. Tubertini Construction Co.

Our clients sued on behalf of 17-year-old Chism, who died due to severe burns he received after putting his gas lawn mower in the storage room where his gas water heater was located. We demonstrated fault on behalf of the water heater’s manufacturer, State Industries, which failed to provide sufficient warning labels and safety instructions, the home owner, who installed the water heater in a location likely to contain gasoline and flammable liquids, and the builder and plumber, who did not take necessary safety precautions by placing the water heater directly on the floor in a room where gasoline was likely to be stored. The defendants settled for a combined $525,000.

$500,000+ Medical Malpractice Settlement for Failure to Diagnose Cancer

In a medical malpractice case, our client presented to the emergency room with shortness of breath. A chest x-ray was done, which was read the next day by the radiologist as showing a suspicious lesion. The report was not communicated to the patient. Two years later, the client was diagnosed with lung cancer, and later died. We asserted a claim that the physicians and hospital were negligent in failing to disclose the lesion, and that delay allowed our client’s cancer to metastasize. This case settled for over half a million dollars.

$500,000+ Birth Injury Settlement

A child was delivered to his mother with gestational diabetes. Despite ultrasounds predicting fetal weight well in excess of 5000 grams, her doctor attempted vacuum delivery from a plus 1 station, resulting in severe shoulder dystocia and brachial plexus injury. This case also settled for over half a million dollars.

$500,000 Birth Injury Verdict – Luckett v. University of Mississippi Medical Center

In the case of Luckett v. University of Mississippi Medical Center that was tried to a verdict, our client, Patricia Luckett, was admitted in labor. Prenatal testing conducted through the Madison County Health Department indicated that Ms. Luckett suffered from gestational diabetes, a condition which can allow the baby to grow excessively large. On admission, UMMC failed to note this condition, failed to perform assessments of estimated fetal weight, and allowed a first-year resident attempt vaginal delivery on what turned out to be a 12 lb., 14 oz. baby. Predictably severe shoulder dystocia was encountered, and the child suffered a severe brachial plexus injury to his shoulder. The case was tried before Circuit Judge Winston Kidd, who awarded the injured child damages and prejudgment interest in an amount which was approximately equal to the statutory cap, $500,000.

$490,000 Settlement in Car Accident Claim

Our 60-year-old client was driving home at night when he hit an oversized vehicle that was traveling without lights on. Our client was helicoptered to Memphis for care, and has since had to undergo multiple surgeries and physical therapy after sustaining injuries to his leg and knee. Ted Connell and Charlie Merkel secured $490,000 for our client through mediation.

$400,000+ Medical Malpractice Settlement for Surgical Error

Our client injured his back on the job. After conservative treatment failed, a neurosurgeon recommended lumbar fusion. In performing the procedure, a pedicle screw was placed in a position to compress nerve roots, causing permanent foot drop. This case settled for just under half a million dollars.

$400,000+ Legal Malpractice Settlement

In this legal malpractice case, the defendant attorney filed a medical malpractice action for the death of child from sepsis. However, the defendant attorney failed to meet the procedural and substantive requirements required by the law, causing the plaintiff’s case to be dismissed twice. We filed suit on behalf of the plaintiff against her former attorneys for legal malpractice and were successful when we settled the case for just under half a million dollars.

$339,104.32 Jury Verdict for Client’s Car Accident Injuries

Our client and the defendant were both leaving the Sonic drive-in in Leland, MS, to exit south onto Highway 82 when the accident occurred. More specifically, the defendant pulled over on the left side of the Sonic Drive-In exit before attempting to exit the driveway to throw away some trash in the garbage can. At the same time, the Plaintiff drove her vehicle along the right side of the defendant’s vehicle to make a right turn onto Highway 82. Unfortunately, the defendant did not see the plaintiff’s vehicle immediately to his right and he turned directly into the vehicle containing the plaintiff, causing minor damage to her vehicle.

Charles Merkel, Jr. and Edward Connell represented the plaintiff. Liability was disputed despite the defendant admitting that he never saw our client’s vehicle.

My client suffered a high-grade partial tear of her left shoulder which led to three surgeries, six percent impairment rating, $80,871 in medical bills, and $8,233.32 in mileage expense. Causation was disputed based upon the minor impact, but her primary treating physician related the tear the accident.

After approximately an hour and fifteen minutes of deliberation, the jury rendered a verdict of $339,104.32.

$300,000 Surgical Error Verdict: McKinnley v. Simha

In the medical malpractice of McKinnley v. Simha, the Plaintiff underwent an abdominal hysterectomy. During the procedure, her right ureter was clamped and ligated. A Shelby County Tennessee jury returned a verdict in favor of the Plaintiff in the amount of $300,000.00.

$150,000 Legal Malpractice Settlement

In a legal malpractice case where the statute of limitations was missed by the initial attorney, we successfully settled the matter for excess of six figures.

$107,223.78 Car Wreck Case Against State Farm

Ted Connell and Charlie Merkel represented a client who sustained injuries in a car wreck. Prior to going to trial, State Farm offered our client nothing at all. We were able to secure an award of $107,223.78 for our client.

Six-figure Birth Injury Settlement for Client Subjected to Elective Cesarean

In this medical malpractice case, the physician did an elective cesarean section despite tests showing immature lungs in the fetus. After birth the child had prolonged hospitalizations for breathing difficulties. The Plaintiff received a six-figure settlement.

Six-figure Medical Malpractice Settlement for Failure to Diagnose Heart Attack

In another medical malpractice case, the patient presented to the emergency room with chest pain radiating into his arm. The initial EKG and cardiac enzymes were inconclusive, but were not repeated. The client suffered a massive heart attack. The case settled for six figures.

Six-figure Medical Malpractice Settlement for Unnecessary Surgeries

In a medical malpractice case versus a podiatrist who had provided unnecessary surgeries, we obtained a six-figure settlement award.

Six-figure Medical Malpractice Award for Client Who Lost a Limb Due to Undiagnosed Infection

In another medical malpractice case, our client was a known diabetic who underwent a knee replacement surgery and developed a serious infection post-operatively. Although she had signs and symptoms of infection, she was discharged from the hospital approximately two weeks after the surgery without being placed on antibiotics. The infection raged to the extent that nearly all of the skin and tissue surrounding the knee was lost. Eventually, the client required an above-knee amputation. Our client was awarded mid six figures.

Six-figure Car Wreck Award in Deadly Head-on Collision

In a car wreck case, an elderly lady was the passenger in an automobile which was struck head-on by on oncoming vehicle. Everyone involved in the accident was killed. Merkel & Cocke proved that the driver of the other fell asleep and crossed the center line of the road into the oncoming lane of traffic. Merkel & Cocke’s clients, the wrongful death beneficiaries of the elderly passenger, were awarded mid six figures.

Six-figure Settlement in Car Wreck Case Resulting in Permanent Brain Damage

In this car accident case, our client was a pedestrian struck by a motor vehicle. The client suffered brain damage. A large six-figure settlement was reached.

Six-figure Surgical Malpractice Settlement

In this medical malpractice case, the patient underwent hysterectomy. During surgery her ureter was ligated and not recognized. The Plaintiff received as six-figure settlement.

Six-figure Surgical Malpractice Settlement

In a medical malpractice case in which the defendant surgeon improperly inserted a shoulder prosthesis at the wrong angle. Our client was an elderly woman who had to undergo a second surgery to remove the first prosthesis and insert another. We settled for mid-six figures.

Six-figure Truck Crash Settlement

Settlement for a young man who was injured when he struck the rear of a tractor trailer which moved into his lane of traffic while making a right-hand turn was settled for six figures.

Six-figure Award for Improper Supervision

A minor child was injured while lifting weights for football at his local school. He was improperly supervised and the equipment provided was faulty. This resulted in a severe neck injury that resulted in an award of six figures.

Six-figure Settlement for Client Who Injured Her Back at Casino

In another casino case, our client was injured when a casino employee ran into her while carrying money bags which resulted in injuries to her back. We successfully received a six-figure award.

Six-figure Slip and Fall Settlement for Casino Visitor

While a client of ours was dining at a casino buffet, he slipped on water that had leaked from a pipe that drained the ice water from the buffet. We successfully investigated the matter and determined by previous employees that were no longer employed by the casino that management had knowledge of this dangerous condition. However, representatives of the casino testified differently. This resulted in a successful settlement of six figures to compensate our client for his knee injury.

Six-figure Real Estate Contract Misrepresentation Settlement

In a case involving contract misrepresentation, our client alleged negligence on the part of listing real estate broker in failing to disclose other offers and conflict of interest. The Plaintiff received as six-figure settlement.

Six-figure Erb’s Palsy Injury Settlement

In this medical malpractice case, the child was delivered from a +1 station by vacuum delivery. The child suffered an Erb’s Palsy injury. Another six-figure settlement was received by our client.

Six-figure Medical Malpractice Settlement for Client Discharged Prematurely From ER

In this medical malpractice case, the patient presented to ER with chest pain. Despite abnormal EKG findings the patient was discharged and later died of a heart attack. Another six-figure settlement was reached.

Six-figure Surgical Malpractice Settlement for Loss of Leg

In this medical malpractice, the patient was involved in a motor vehicle accident and fractured her hip. In repairing the hip, the surgeon drilled through her hip bone into an artery. As a result of the loss of blood flow to the lower left leg, the patient’s leg had to be amputated. The Plaintiff received as six-figure settlement.

Six-figure Medical Malpractice Settlement for Misdiagnosis

In another medical malpractice, the Plaintiff injured his back on the job. A cervical CT revealed a herniated disk, but the Plaintiff was discharged without diagnosis. Over the ensuing days, the Plaintiff developed partial paralysis of lower extremities. Plaintiff reached a six-figure settlement.

Six-figure Medical Malpractice Settlement for Medication Error

In this medical malpractice case, the Plaintiff presented to the emergency room with a scratch to his right eye. The emergency room physician prescribed an eye medication that is contraindicated for continued use. The Plaintiff suffered partial loss of vision. Another six-figure settlement was reached.

Six-figure Medical Malpractice Settlement for Physical Therapy Misdiagnosis

In this medical malpractice, the Plaintiff suffered carpal tunnel syndrome. The Plaintiff’s physician ordered physical therapy. The physical therapist, without approval, ordered cervical traction resulting in back injury. A six-figure settlement was reached.

Six-figure Medical Malpractice Settlement for Birth Injury from Hypoxic Brain Damage

In this “bad baby” medical malpractice case, the Plaintiff was born with severe hypoxic brain damage. The Plaintiff alleged the physician and hospital were negligent in failing to timely deliver. The Plaintiff received as six-figure settlement.

Six-figure Medical Malpractice Settlement for OB/GYN Negligence

In another medical malpractice case, a mother presented in labor with pre-term premature rupture of membranes. The mother was not screened for group B strep during pregnancy and was not given antibiotics in labor. The child was delivered and developed group B strep meningitis. The Plaintiff received as six-figure settlement.

Six-figure Slip and Fall Settlement for Visitor to Fast Food Restaurant

While our client was proceeding through a fast food restaurant, she slipped on a liquid substance. As a result, she had an extended hospital stay as well as multiple surgeries. This resulted in a successful settlement in the mid six figures.

Six-Figure Inadequate Security Settlements for Patrons Kidnapped from a Hospital

A hospital failed to provide adequate security when an inmate, who was being treated, kidnapped several patrons. As a result, Merkel & Cocke brought suit for the failure to provide proper security. A large six-figure settlement was reached for several of those who were kidnapped.

Just Under Six-figure Award for Slip and Fall in a Tunica County Casino

In a slip and fall case versus a casino located Tunica County, we were successful in obtaining an award of almost six figures for our client who slipped and fell where rain water had existed on the marble floor at the entrance of the casino.

Total Loss of Wage Earning Capacity for a Back Injury; Workers’ Compensation Award

We successfully proved a total loss of wage earning capacity in a workers’ compensation claim whereby our client injured his back when he fell off a riding lawn mower.

Total Loss of Wage Earning Capacity; Workers’ Compensation Award for School Bus Driver

In a workers’ compensation case, our client who was a school bus driver for a public school district was involved in a car accident that resulted in a ruptured disk to her back. We successfully received an award for her total loss of wage earning capacity and recovered from the other driver’s insurance policy.

Total Loss of Use; Workers’ Compensation Settlement for Slip and Fall

We successfully settled a workers’ compensation claim for total loss of use of his lower extremity when a teacher slipped and fell and injured his right knee.

Workers’ Compensation Settlement for Heat Stroke that Lead to the Death of Worker

Our client’s father died of a heat stroke as a result of his work. We successfully settled the claim dealing with her father’s death, which resulted in her receiving a large settlement when we were able to relate the heat stroke to his work.

Undisclosed Settlement Amount in Commercial Truck Accident Case

Client was operating a truck in Benton County on US Highway 78. Client was struck from the rear by an 18-wheeler truck, causing his vehicle to crash. Client received substantial injuries, and died approximately 3 weeks later.

Undisclosed Premises Liability Settlement Amount for Convenience Store Injury

We successfully obtained a large settlement in a Tennessee premise liability case whereby our client was injured in a convenience store by a third party when Merkel & Cocke proved the store failed to provide adequate security.

Undisclosed Settlement Amounts for Excessive Force from Local Sheriff’s Department

Our firm represented clients in sixteen cases versus a local sheriff’s department in various civil rights matters stemming from excessive force throughout the entire department. Our firm successfully settled all of these cases, except one. The sheriff was ultimately removed from his position.

Undisclosed Settlement for Client Who Slipped and Fell at a Casino

We obtained a large settlement for our client who injured her knee when she tripped over the “joint” separating the land based and water based portion of a Tunica County casino.

Undisclosed Settlement for Loss of Leg in Products Liability Case

Our client lost part of his leg when his pants leg became caught by the exposed end of a rotating, unguarded conveyor shaft. We netted a large settlement for our client.

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