$8,000,000 Jury Verdict
Semi-Truck Wrongful Death
Michelle Taliaferro, et al. v. Green Valley Transportation

Christopher Taliaferro was traveling westbound on US Hwy 50 in Jackson County on a John Deere tractor when he was struck from behind by a semi-truck operated by Carol Klaudt and owned by Green Valley Transportation. Carol Klaudt took no measures to avoid striking Chris Taliaferro and the tractor he was driving. Chris Taliaferro died as a result of the injuries he sustained in the wreck.

The driver, Carol Klaudt, had only a few months of experience as a truck driver. She had worked as a waitress and in an office prior to becoming a co-driver with her husband. Green Valley Transportation violated its hiring requirement of two years of experience for drivers when it hired Carol Klaudt. The case was tried to a jury verdict in Jackson County, Missouri. In the first phase of the trial, the jury awarded $8,000,000 of actual damages and found that punitive damages had been proved. After the second phase of the trial in which evidence to support punitive damages was introduced, the case settled before the jury returned with the punitive damages award. Plaintiffs were Chris' wife and parents.

“Denise and everyone at The Henning Law Firm handled my case and situation with the utmost care and professionalism. Denise made me feel very safe and taken care of, like I was part of the family. I feel blessed to have had Denise as my lawyer and I am very satisfied with the way she handled my case.”

- Michelle Taliaferro, Sturgeon, Missouri “Denise and her team were very impressive during the trial. They did their homework very well and were ready for anything and everything that came up. They were always concerned about what was best for us and were very professional in a caring way. They didn’t leave any stone unturned during the case and checked out everything no matter how little it was. Excellent job!!”

-Mert and Keith Taliaferro, Effingham, Kansas