Court awards $182,410 to plaintiff after default; judge admits medical bills and finds ongoing injury

Judge Tammy Long Hayward awarded $182,410 in damages to plaintiff Willie Lee Bell following a damages hearing in Clayton County State Court on Jan. 15, 2025, after the court found the plaintiff had proved special damages and ongoing injury evidence.

Plaintiff presented testimony from Bell and admitted medical records and billing statements from Grady Hospital and AICA Orthopedics. Bell testified he sustained back and neck injuries when the defendant’s vehicle backed into his motor scooter on Oct. 9, 2022, and described ongoing pain, physical limitations and repeated injections; he said he had undergone three injection procedures and remained under medical care, with another injection scheduled. Counsel moved medical bills and records into evidence; Judge Hayward admitted a special-damages summary showing $32,410.03 in post-collision medical expenses and AICA bills totaling $9,965.75.

Plaintiff’s counsel asked for $150,000 in general compensatory damages for pain and suffering (requested as $75,000 per year over two years) in addition to medical expenses. The court awarded a total of $182,410 and court costs, and directed counsel to prepare and submit a judgment order to the clerk.

Defendant Yvonne Williams, who appeared pro se during the liability default, said she initially provided contact information and thought she would have her brother inspect the scooter; she said she did not know about payments already made to the plaintiff. The judge reminded litigants of the importance of reading and responding to summonses so they do not lose their ability to contest liability.

Judge Hayward admitted claims exhibits and told counsel to file the judgment order with the clerk. She emphasized that missing deadlines and failure to respond to service can forfeit litigation options and urged defendants to read court papers and consult counsel if uncertain.