Levy County jury awards $301 million in DUI crash case

A Levy County jury returned more than $301 million in damages to a young mother severely injured in a head-on DUI crash, marking what records show is the largest verdict in county history. The case underscores the scale of the injuries, the severity of the alleged negligence and the likelihood of an appeal.

Why it matters: - The verdict is the largest in Levy County history, according to records referenced in the case. - The award sends a strong civil penalty message in a DUI crash that left the victim with catastrophic injuries and long-term medical trauma. - The jury also imposed $100 million in punitive damages, underscoring the case’s focus on punishment and deterrence.

What happened: - A Levy County jury returned a verdict of more than $301 million on Nov. 2, 2026, in Levy County, Florida, Case No. CA-000285. - The plaintiff was a young mother driving home from shopping at Walmart in Chiefland, Florida, when a drunk driver hit her head-on. - The crash occurred in the wrong lane, with the other driver traveling without headlights at 60 mph. - Both drivers were taken to the emergency room from the scene.

The details: - The victim was airlifted to UF Health after the crash. - Medical teams resuscitated her several times, and she remained in critical condition. - She suffered lacerated organs, major blood loss from internal bleeding and several broken bones. - She underwent a dozen surgeries while unconscious during her first days in the ICU. - She developed several infections and nearly died of sepsis before being released. - Hospital testing showed the defendant’s blood alcohol content was three times the legal limit. - The verdict included $200 million for pain and suffering and $100 million in punitive damages.

Between the lines: - The size of the award suggests the jury viewed the conduct as extreme and the harm as life-altering. - Bagen Law framed the case as a broader community statement against gross negligence on the road. - Lead trial attorney Kyle Bagen said the victim’s survival was remarkable and credited her medical team and her determination. - Bagen also said an appeal is possible because of the size of the verdict, but the firm believes justice was served.

What's next: - The defendant is expected to consider an appeal. - Any post-trial proceedings could affect how much of the award is ultimately collected or sustained. - The case may become a reference point in future DUI civil injury litigation in Florida.

The bottom line: - A Levy County jury delivered an enormous DUI verdict tied to what it found was a devastating, avoidable crash with life-threatening consequences.