Michael Simmons and Donna Meehan Obtain Defense Verdict
12.19.14
Following a one week jury trial in Hancock County, Mississippi, Michael Simmons and Donna Meehan obtained a defense verdict in a premises liability case. Plaintiff alleged she was sexually assaulted in the lobby restroom at a hotel. The assailant was apprehended by hotel security and later pleaded guilty to sexual assault. Plaintiff alleged that the hotel’s security guard was inadequately trained and that other security measures were generally inadequate. Plaintiff sought $2,000,000 in compensatory damages and $2,000,0000.00 in punitive damages. The jury deliberated 4 hours before returning a verdict for the hotel. The trial judge denied plaintiff’s post-trial motions, and the case is now on appeal.