BEAUMONT – A Jefferson County jury was awarded $1.1 million in damages to a Hardin County woman, who lost her husband when an alleged drunk driver struck and killed her husband as he changed a tire.
Kaylynn Swearingen Meadow, individually and as a representative of the estate of Clinton Meadows, filed a lawsuit Feb. 5, 2016 against Kendrick McCloney, alleging gross negligence and malice in connection with a vehicular fatality crash.
The case was called up for trial on April 9 and ended two days later, with jurors delivering a unanimous verdict for negligence.
Daws
According to the complaint, on Jan. 26, 2016, Meadows and her husband, Clinton Meadows, were struck by a 2005 Ford Escape driven by McCloney, as Clinton Meadows was attempting to change a tire on Interstate Highway 10 near Laurel Street in Beaumont.
Clinton Meadows was pronounced dead at the scene.
McCloney was charged with intoxication manslaughter and intoxication assault, according to the lawsuit.
Court records show McCloney answered the suit on Feb. 23, asserting the plaintiffs failed to exercise ordinary care for their own safety.
The plaintiff alleges she sustained physical impairment, and expects to pay future medical bills and expenses.
She is represented by Beaumont attorney Judson Daws.
McCloney is represented by Keith Stanley, attorney for the Center law firm Fairchild, Price, Haley & Smith.
Judge Donald Floyd, 172nd District Court, is presiding over the case.
Jefferson County District Court Case number E-198076