Judge awards $25,000 in default-damages case after testimony on injuries and bills

At the May 7 motions calendar, Judge Tammy Long Hayward heard proof of damages in Ollie (Aaliyah) McMillan v. Horace McLean and others, a default-judgment matter arising from a rear-end collision on Oct. 1, 2022.

Mary Paige Gray, identified as plaintiff's counsel, presented the plaintiff, Aaliyah McMillan, who testified about vehicle damage, ongoing back pain and medical treatment. McMillan described immediate post-crash symptoms and testified she sought treatment the day of the collision, including urgent care and follow-up with specialty providers. "I had immediate back pain, some headaches... and numbness down my right arm," McMillan testified.

Gray introduced bills the court admitted into evidence: a Georgia Injury and Spine statement totaling $4,407.70; a one-page charge from TriStar (admitted); an OrthoSport and Spine account summary showing $7,541.61; and a prescription bill from Preferred Prescriptions showing $772.96. Gray said the total medical bills were "almost $13,000" and asked the court to enter a judgment to compensate for medical expenses and pain and suffering; counsel proposed a judgment of $25,000.

Judge Hayward found the defendants had not appeared to contest damages and granted judgment for the plaintiff. "The court is going to grant the amount of $25,000 plus court costs," she said and directed counsel to submit an order for entry.

Why it matters: The ruling converts documented medical expenses and the plaintiff's testimony into a final money judgment in a default matter. The court's award covers cumulative damages and costs; the order will formalize the judgment and begin any post-judgment processes.

What to expect next: Plaintiff's counsel was instructed to submit a proposed order to the clerk to memorialize the judgment and costs for entry.