Every case is different, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
The following verdicts and settlements reflect real cases handled by B. Patrick Cowan. Case details are summarized to protect client privacy and confidentiality. These examples are provided to demonstrate the types of cases we handle and the results we have achieved through investigation, litigation, and trial when necessary.
$4,500,000 — Motorcycle Collision (Settlement)
Two motorcyclists were struck from behind while slowing and signaling to make a lawful turn, ejecting both riders and causing severe injuries. The at-fault driver was operating a pickup truck in the course of his employment. Liability and damages were disputed. The case resolved for $4.5 million.
$1,500,000 — Wrongful Death (Motorcycle / Commercial Vehicle)
A motorcyclist collided with a commercial trailer that was blocking an unlit roadway at night while backing into a driveway. Despite emergency medical transport, the rider died from his injuries. The case involved a commercial trucking defendant and resolved for $1.5 million.
$750,000 — Wrongful Death (Motorcycle)
A motorcyclist was killed when a driver failed to yield at a stop sign and pulled directly into his right of way. The case involved wrongful death and survival claims and resolved for $750,000.
$3,250,000 — Wrongful Death (Highway U-Turn Collision)
A motorcyclist was killed when the driver of a side-by-side utility vehicle attempted a U-turn across an Arkansas state highway directly into the rider’s lane of travel. The collision was unavoidable and fatal. Liability and fault were disputed. The wrongful death case resolved for $3.25 million.
$305,000 — Motorcycle Collision (Livestock in Roadway)
Two motorcyclists were injured when a loose donkey entered the roadway, causing a collision. The case involved livestock and premises responsibility issues and resolved for $305,000.
$540,000 — Rear-End Motorcycle Collision
A motorcyclist was struck from behind on the interstate when the following driver failed to maintain a safe distance. The collision ejected the rider and caused serious injuries. The case resolved for $540,000.
$2,250,000 — Medical Malpractice
A patient undergoing a routine kidney stone procedure suffered catastrophic internal injuries when a surgical laser perforated the ureter and iliac artery, causing massive blood loss and a near-fatal outcome. The medical malpractice case resolved for $2.25 million.
$675,000 — Motorcycle Collision with Commercial Vehicle
Two motorcyclists were seriously injured when a semi-truck turned across their lane of travel. Claims included negligent operation and negligent hiring and supervision. The case resolved for $675,000.
$300,000 — Motorcycle Collision (Animal in Roadway)
A motorcyclist was injured when a dog ran into the roadway, causing a crash. The case resolved for $300,000.
$100,000 — Motorcycle Collision (Failure to Yield)
A motorcyclist suffered severe injuries when a driver turned left across his right of way. The case resolved for $100,000.
$1,025,000 — Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury (Motorcycle / Semi-Truck)
A couple riding a motorcycle were struck when a semi-truck executed an illegal turn across their lane of travel. The husband was killed, and the wife suffered catastrophic injuries, including paralysis. The case resolved for $1.025 million.
$700,000 — Motorcycle Collision with Commercial Vehicle
A motorcyclist collided with a box truck that crossed into his lane while passing other vehicles in a no-passing area. The driver lacked proper qualifications and was operating in the course of employment. The rider suffered multiple serious injuries. The case resolved for $700,000.
$275,000 — Motorcycle Crash (Roadway Maintenance Issue)
A motorcyclist was injured after encountering grass debris left in the roadway from improper mowing by a landowner. The case resolved for $275,000.
$142,000 — Motorcycle Collision (Animal in Roadway)
A father and daughter were injured when a dog ran into the roadway, causing a motorcycle crash. The case resolved for $142,000.
$1,000,000 — Wrongful Death (Motorcycle)
A motorcyclist was killed when a driver attempted to cross multiple lanes of traffic directly into his path. The rider was ejected and later pronounced dead. The wrongful death case resolved for $1 million.
$450,000 — Motorcycle Collision with Oversized Load
A motorcyclist was struck by an overhanging oversized load while crossing a narrow bridge with limited sight distance. Improper load positioning contributed to the crash. The rider suffered serious injuries. The case resolved for $450,000.
$100,000 — Premises Liability
A homeowner suffered a fractured hip after tripping over an uneven raised ramp edge on her porch. She required surgical repair and extended recovery. The premises liability case resolved for $100,000.
$250,000 — Motorcycle Collision (Left-Turn Crash)
A driver turned left directly into the path of a motorcyclist, causing a serious collision and injuries. The case resolved for $250,000.
$300,000 — Motorcycle Collision (Left-Turn Crash)
A motorcyclist was seriously injured when a vehicle turned left across his right of way. The case resolved for $300,000.
$700,000 — Motorcycle Collision with Commercial Vehicle
A commercial vehicle attempted a U-turn directly across a motorcyclist’s lane of travel, causing severe injuries that required air medical transport. The case resolved for $700,000.
$200,000 — Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Collision
A motorcyclist was sideswiped on the interstate and seriously injured. The driver fled the scene and denied involvement. The at-fault driver was identified through eyewitness video. The case resolved for $200,000.
$255,000 — Motorcycle Collision (Left-Turn Crash)
A motorcyclist suffered severe injuries when a driver turned left across his right of way. The case resolved for $255,000.
$781,798.30 — Federal Jury Verdict (Insurance Dispute)
A homeowner’s insurance claim was denied after the insurer accused the policyholder of intentionally burning his own home and making material misrepresentations. The case was reinstated after a successful appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, forcing the insurer to trial. Prior to trial, the insurer dropped its arson allegations. A jury in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas returned a verdict in favor of the policyholder for $781,798.30.
$8,925.46 — Jury Verdict
A low-damage auto collision case was tried to a jury after the insurance company refused to make a fair offer. Another driver performed a U-turn directly into the plaintiff’s right of way, causing the collision. Rather than accept an unreasonable offer, the case was tried to verdict. The jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff.
$300,000 Settlement – Commercial Truck Rear-End Collision
Our client was operating a commercial dump truck when he was rear-ended by an 18-wheeler. Arkansas State Police investigated the collision and determined that the tractor-trailer driver failed to maintain a proper lookout and following distance, citing the driver for careless and prohibited driving. The investigating officer found no contributing fault on the part of our client.
The collision caused significant physical injuries that required emergency medical treatment, months of ongoing care, and interventional spine procedures. Despite extensive treatment, our client was left with lasting physical limitations that affected his ability to return to his prior work.
This case involved commercial motor vehicle liability issues and heightened safety standards applicable to professional drivers. After the evidence was developed and litigation was prepared, the case was resolved for $300,000.