Verdicts & Settlements
The law office of Eng & Woods, Attorneys at Law has served the Columbia, Ashland and Boone County areas in Missouri for over 60 years. With decades of professional experience, the attorneys at Eng & Woods continually strive for the best possible outcome for each of their clients – be it in a personal injury case, auto or truck accident offenses, in workers’ compensation conflicts or criminal defense proceedings. The following entries are verdicts and settlement amounts reached by the lawyers at Eng & Woods, Attorneys at Law.
Settlement Amounts
9.4 Million Dollar Settlement for Tractor trailer crash wrongful death settlement
5.5 Million Dollar Settlement for Semi-truck accident
5.25 Million Dollar Settlement for Paraplegic Attorney Matt Woods successfully negotiated a settlement in the amount of 5.25 million dollars for the benefit of his client. Mr. Hanson was injured in a catastrophic car accident in Quincy, Illinois in 2010 that left him paralyzed from the waist down. Mr. Woods successfully took on the City of Quincy, Illinois to secure Mr. Hanson a settlement that will allow him to remain in his home and be comfortable. [view media]
5 Million Dollar Settlement arising out of a trucking accident in northern Missouri.
The accident occurred when the defendant truck driver failed to yield at a highway crossing, causing the fatal accident. Investigation by Eng & Woods revealed that there were deficiencies in the brakes and other key components of the truck, that contributed to cause the accident.
The attorneys at Eng & Woods represented the surviving spouse and infant child and were able to obtain this result after significant investigation, discovery & negotiation. In addition to the compensation obtained, the trucking company implemented additional safety measures in order to hopefully prevent such future tragedies.
Eng & Woods was proud to represent this family during such a difficult time.
3.4 Million Dollar Settlement resulting from vehicle striking a pedestrian on a sidewalk.
2.75 Million Dollar Jury Verdict for personal injury and property damage
2 Million Dollar Verdict resulting from car accident.
2 Million Dollar Settlement Attorneys Thad Mulholland and Matt Woods obtained a $2,000,000 settlement on behalf of a man whose 72 year old wife died as a result of injuries she sustained when she was driving on U.S. Highway 63 southbound in Columbia, Missouri and her pick up truck was struck from behind by a bakery truck. She was hospitalized for several days with serious injuries but ultimately died as a result of those injuries and complications.
1.85 Million Dollar Settlement for adult clients whose mother was killed in a trucking accident.
1.5 Million Dollar Settlement in a premises liability matter.
1.4 Million Dollar Settlement plus a workers’ compensation settlement following the death of our client’s father as a result of a big rig truck accident.
1.25 Million Dollar Settlement Motor Vehicle Accident – hit and run death case
1 Million Dollar Settlement in crane accident case.
1 Million Dollar Settlement Eng & Woods attorney Thad Mulholland recently helped a seriously injured client obtain a One Million Dollar settlement arising out of injuries sustained while the client was cutting down a tree. The claim was initially disputed by the insurance carrier, but after significant investigation and hard work, Mr. Mulholland was able to obtain this fantastic result for the client.
$910,000.00 Settlement Following head-on collision with a tractor trailer on I-70.
$750,000.00 Settlement for medical negligence case against federal government
$650,000.00 Recovery in an out-of-state medical malpractice case.
$550,000.00 Teenage client ejected during rollover crash.
$394,500.00 Settlement Phantom vehicle accident results in settlement from uninsured motorist policies.
$450,000.00 Settlement of VA wrongful death case.
$200,000.00+ Award Following a workers’ compensation injury, the comp carrier offered $20,000.00 to settle the claim. Thad Mulholland took the case to final hearing and the client received an Award with a financial value totaling more than $200,000.00.
$106,000.00 Settlement for wrongful conception.
$50,000.00 Settlement result of 3 years of litigation after an initial and continued denial of coverage in a rollover accident.
Policy Limits Settlement + Following a serious motor vehicle accident, Thad achieved a policy limits settlement from the responsible party, plus a significant six figure recovery from the client’s own insurance carrier under his underinsured motorist coverage which was $50,000.00 more than the carrier initially claimed its limits to be.
Six-Figure Settlement Our client sustained full thickness burns to her scalp as a result of an out-of-state cosmetologist improperly applying hair product which resulted in permanent disfigurement.
Six-Figure Settlement Our client was in a motor vehicle accident while in the scope of his employment; the workers’ compensation carrier denied the claim and fought the claim for three years. Thad Mulholland took on the insurance company and won a significant six figure settlement.
CRIMINAL DEFENSE RESULTS
DWI Results:
CASE: Client pulled over in Boone County, Missouri for failing to drive on the right half of the roadway. Performs poorly on field sobriety tests and subsequently blows .186 BAC. Charged with DWI.
RESULT: Partner Andrew Popplewell argues and wins administrative driver license case—client’s license returned. Through negotiations with Prosecuting Attorney, DWI criminal charge reduced to Careless and Imprudent driving, $350 fine. Client avoids: loss of license, high risk insurance, probation, jail, and $500 SATOP class.
CASE: Client stopped in Columbia, Missouri by Columbia Missouri Police Department for squealing tires and rapid acceleration. Failure of field sobriety tests, followed by arrest for driving while intoxicated.
RESULT: Partner Andrew Popplewell negotiates with the prosecuting attorney to dismiss DWI charge. Client pleads guilty to failure to use turn signal, fined.
CASE: Client stopped in Moberly, Missouri by Missouri State Highway Patrol for allegedly crossing over the fog line. Failure of field sobriety tests followed by a breath alcohol test of .12 BAC. Client charged with DWI in Randolph County, Missouri.
RESULT: Partner Andrew Popplewell files and argues and wins Motion to Suppress Evidence. All evidence obtained after the stop is suppressed. Prosecutor dismisses DWI.
CASE: Client pulled over in Columbia, Missouri for traveling in the left hand lane too long. Failure of field sobriety tests, followed by refusal of breath alcohol test. Client charged with DWI, 2nd offense.
RESULT: Partner Andrew Popplewell files and argues Motion to Suppress Evidence. Wins. All evidence obtained after the stop is suppressed. Prosecutor dismisses DWI, sparing client confinement in jail and ignition interlock requirement.
CASE: Client stopped in Columbia, Missouri by University of Missouri Police Officer for crossing over the center line near Harpo’s Bar and Grill. Breath test results of .09 and .083. Client charged with DWI and possession of Fake ID.
RESULT: Partner Andrew Popplewell files and argues Motion to Suppress Evidence. Wins. All evidence obtained after the stop is suppressed. Prosecutor dismisses DWI and Fake ID charge. Bond money returned to client.
CASE: University of Missouri student stopped by University of Missouri Police Department because her passenger was hanging out of the window yelling. Client performs well on field sobriety tests, but is subsequently arrested and charged with DWI. Breath alcohol test is over .08.
RESULT: Partner Andrew Popplewell tries DWI case to judge. Not Guilty Verdict.
CASE: University of Missouri student arrested for Driving While Intoxicated by Columbia Missouri Police Department after single vehicle rollover accident on Rock Quarry Road.
RESULT: Partner Andrew Popplewell tries DWI case to City of Columbia Municipal Court Judge. Court finds reasonable doubt that client was the driver. Not Guilty Verdict.
CASE: Client charged with Driving While Intoxicated. Client stopped on Grindstone Ave. in Columbia for allegedly crossing fog lines. Subsequently blew a .146 BAC.
RESULT: Motion to Suppress Evidence successful, charges dismissed.
CASE: Client allegedly crosses over fog line on Stadium Blvd. in Columbia, Missouri and subsequently blows a .11 BAC. Client charged with 2nd Driving While Intoxicated charge.
RESULT: Motion to Suppress heard in front of judge was successful, and all charges were subsequently dismissed.
CASE: Client allegedly charged with Failure to use Turn Signal at US Highway 63 and Grindstone in Columbia, Missouri. Client subsequently blows a .12 BAC and is charged with Driving while Intoxicated.
RESULT: Motion to Suppress heard in front of judge was successful; all charges dismissed.
CASE: Client in Callaway County blows .09 BAC and is arrested for Driving While Intoxicated.
RESULT: Suspended Imposition of Sentence, no conviction or loss of license for client.
CASE: Client rolls vehicle in single-vehicle accident, subsequently blows a .16 BAC and is subsequently charged with Driving while Intoxicated and Careless & Imprudent Driving.
RESULT: Suspended Imposition of Sentence on both charges, and no conviction.
CASE: Client pulled over in Columbia, Missouri on Providence and Burnam for Failing to use a Turn Signal and subsequently blows a .146 BAC. Client charged with Driving while Intoxicated.
RESULT: Suspended Imposition of Sentence, and client has no conviction.
CASE: A 19-year-old driver pulled over in Howard County for Speeding. Subsequently blows a .09 BAC.
RESULT: Through negotiations with the Prosecutor, charges reduced to Minor in Possession of Alcohol.
CASE: Client in Boone County is pulled over for Failing to use a Turn Signal and allegedly crossing the center line. Subsequently blows a .095 BAC, and is charged with Driving while Intoxicated, Possession of under 35 Grams of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Minor in Possession of Alcohol.
RESULT: All charges except Minor in Possession of Alcohol completely dismissed.
RESULT: Charges dismissed.
CASE: Client leaves Harpo’s in an intoxicated condition. Unlawfully operates construction company scissor lift across the street. Charged with Felony Tampering with Motor Vehicle.
RESULT: Charges reduced to Misdemeanor Trespass.
CASE: Client pulled over for failing to use the right hand lane where two or more lanes travel in the same direction. Client performs poorly on field sobriety testing and subsequently blows .181 BAC and is arrested on DWI 2nd. Andrew Popplewell files a Motion to Suppress Evidence arguing lack of probable cause to stop the vehicle. Motion argued and granted.
RESULT: Charges dismissed by the Boone County Prosecuting Attorney.
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MIP/Fake ID Results:
CASE: Four students in a vehicle with a sober driver are stopped at a checkpoint and subsequently charged with MIPs and Fake IDs.
RESULT: All charges dismissed following the filing of a Motion to Suppress Evidence.
CASE: University of Missouri student arrested at football game tailgate for Minor in Possession of Alcohol. Charged in City of Columbia Municipal Court.
RESULT: Partner Andrew Popplewell files and argues motion to suppress evidence. Wins. Prosecutor dismisses MIP charge
CASE: University of Missouri student arrested by University of Missouri Police Department in Greek Town for Minor in Possession of Alcohol and Possession of False Identification.
RESULT: Partner Andrew Popplewell files Motion to Suppress Evidence. Prosecutor dismisses case.
CASE: Minor walking down street holding plastic cup gets stopped by the police and subsequently issued ticket for Minor in Possession of Alcohol.
RESULT: Motion to Suppress successfully argued in front of judge; all charges dismissed.
CASE: Individual in dorm room at University of Missouri; police conduct a non-consensual search, find alcohol and charge client with Minor in Possession of Alcohol.
RESULT: Tried in front of a judge, all charges dismissed.
CASE: Client’s father leaves beer in her dorm room, which is subsequently searched by the University of Missouri Police.
RESULT: Through negotiations with the prosecutor, case is dismissed.
CASE: Client stopped by Columbia Police Department officer for texting while driving. A subsequent search of client’s purse yields a false identification.
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Drug Offenses:
CASE: University of Missouri student arrested by City of Columbia Police Department and charged with possession of less than 35 grams of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
RESULT: Partner Andrew Popplewell negotiates with prosecuting attorney. All charges dismissed.
CASE: Two clients smoking marijuana in a car on top of parking garage. Approached by a University of Missouri Police officer and charged with Possession of Less Than 35 Grams of Marijuana.
RESULT: All charges dismissed.
CASE: Client charged with Class B Felony Intent to Distribute Marijuana for being in possession of 10 packages of marijuana, scales, and cash.
RESULT: Charges reduced to Misdemeanor Possession of Under 35 Grams of Marijuana.
CASE: Client stopped and arrested by Missouri State Highway Patrol for possessing over seven pounds of marijuana. Charged with Class B Felony Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance.
RESULT: Charges lowered to Class C Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance, Imposition of Sentence Suspended and no conviction with the successful completion of Probation.
CASE: Client charged with Class B Distribution of a Controlled Substance and Class C Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance after search of client’s residence discovered growing marijuana plants and prescription pills.
RESULT: All charges reduced to Class A Possession of Under 35 Grams of Marijuana, $300.00 fine.
CASE: Medical doctor accused of Writing Fraudulent Prescription for Adderal. Charged with Felony.
RESULT: Charges reduced to Misdemeanor Trespass.
CASE: Client charged with Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance, heroin.
RESULT: Charges reduced to Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Class A Misdemeanor.
CASE: Client charged with Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance, cocaine.
RESULT: Charges reduced to Class A Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, $500.00 fine.
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Manslaughter/Assault:
CASE: Shane Ott was charged with one count of the Class A Felony Assault in the 1st Degree, one count of Felony Armed Criminal Action, and three counts of the Class B Felony of Unlawful Use of a Weapon. Mr. Ott faced up to life imprisonment with parole eligibility after 85% of time served.
RESULT: Three-day jury trial resulted in Not Guilty verdicts on all five counts.
CASE: Client charged with Involuntary Manslaughter for allegedly operating a boat while in an intoxicated condition and striking and killing a swimmer in the lake.
RESULT: After two-day jury trial, client found Not Guilty of Involuntary Manslaughter. $500.00 fine on Boating While Intoxicated charge.
CASE: Client charged with Felony Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Property Damage, and 3rd-Degree Domestic Assault.
RESULT: All charges dropped.
CASE: Client charged with 2nd Degree Felony Domestic Assault, and Class B Felony Production of a Controlled Substance after police were called following a domestic disturbance and discovered 7 Marijuana plants growing in client’s residence.
RESULT: Through negotiations with the Prosecutor, all charges reduced to Misdemeanor Peace Disturbance.
CASE: Client arrested for throwing punches and shoving in front of Brookside Apartments in Columbia. Charged with Assault.
RESULT: Charges reduced to Loud Noise Violation.
CASE: Client charged with Felonious Restraint, and Domestic Assault in the 3rd Degree for allegedly striking significant other in the mouth and refusing to allow significant other to leave vehicle.
RESULT: All charges dismissed.
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Trespass:
CASE: Several clients are arrested for being in an apartment complex pool after hours.
RESULT: Through negotiations with the prosecutor, all charges dismissed.
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Sex Crimes:
CASE: Client arrested for walking naked through Wal-Mart for more than one hour. Charged with Sexual Misconduct.
RESULT: Through negotiations, charges reduced to Trespass. No registration as Sex Offender.
CASE: Client charged with Rape, Incest, Minor in Possession of Alcohol, and Child Molestation.
RESULT: All charges reduced to Misdemeanor Child Endangerment, and Non-Registration as a Sex Offender.
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Federal Charges:
CASE: Client charged in Federal Court with embezzling funds from the bank where he was employed.
RESULT: Client pleads guilty. Government recommends a term of imprisonment of 27 to 33 months. Judge convinced to sentence client to much lower term of imprisonment of 12 months and 1 day.
