Judge adds interest, court costs to judgment against city of Beaumont

In early March, the Southeast Texas Record reported that a Jefferson County jury awarded Beaumont resident Clifford Teaslely $155,000 for injuries he suffered when a local police officer ran a stop sign and sideswiped his vehicle.

The trial against the city of Beaumont began March 1 in Judge Bob Wortham's 58th District Court and ended March 5.

On April 5 a final judgment was entered and the jury verdict became official.

Judge Wortham told the Record he added around $13,000 in interest and $1,800 in court costs to the $155,000 jury award.

More interest can be tacked on to the final bill if the city waits till the next fiscal year to pay the award, he added.

Two years after the 2006 car wreck, Teasley filed suit against the city, alleging the police officer who struck him failed to regard traffic regulations.

Court documents show that on Nov. 4, 2006, Teasley was traveling west on South Street when Officer Cody Foote sped through a stop sign, causing Teasley to come into contact with the broadside of the police vehicle.

Jurors awarded Teasley $105,000 in medical expenses, $20,500 in lost wages, $22,000 in mental anguish and $7,500 in impairment.

Teasley was represented by attorney David Starnes.

The city was represented by attorney Quentin Price.

Case No. A182-498