FERGUSON GRABS $28 MILLION VERDICT IN AUTO CRASH VERDICT

 

A Jefferson County jury has awarded more than $28,000,000 to a Ferguson Law Firm client for injuries sustained in a motor vehicle crash.  The case was tried in Judge Kent Walston’s court and concluded on April 25, 2025 following less than 1 ½ hours of jury deliberation.

Gary Swanson, 60, was injured when a church van operated by Defendant Kurtis Ervin pulled in front of Swanson’s motorcycle on August 13, 2021 outside of Bridge City, Texas.  Instead of colliding with the van, Mr. Swanson laid his bike down and slid across the roadway.  He was rushed to St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont and underwent surgery to repair a shattered left leg and knee.  Mr. Swanson also shattered his left shoulder and eventually required surgery for that.

Mr. Swanson, a resident of Orange, Texas was represented by Ferguson Law Firm managing partner Paul ‘Chip’ Ferguson and firm associate Jai Cosey.  Following the one-week trial, the jury awarded $28,000,000 in actual damages including $500,000 in past medical expenses and $165,000 in lost earnings.  Mr. Swanson was a small business owner in Orange and ran an automotive repair business.  His injuries forced him to stop working.

Mr. Ferguson said, “I am very grateful to twelve hard-working jurors who saw the truth and translated it into a much-deserved recovery for Gary Swanson.  His injuries left him the shadow of his former self.  His testimony was heart-wrenching.  Gary Swanson has, and will, earn every penny the jury awarded him.”  Ferguson added that the defendant has $3,000,000 in insurance coverage but chose to only offer $600,000.  Ferguson also noted that he is very confident that he will be able to recover all of Mr. Swanson’s damages.