Jury Awards $250,000 to St. Louis Musician After Left-Turn Crash Threatened His Ability to Sing

In October 2014, Elston Taylor was stopped at a red light at the intersection of Hampton Avenue and Interstate 44 in St. Louis. When the light turned green and Taylor began moving forward, Susan Pollman struck his vehicle while making a left turn. There were no eyewitnesses. At trial, Pollman testified she was uncertain what color her light was at the moment of impact.

Taylor's low back pain resolved in the months after the crash, but persistent discomfort in his arms and hands continued to affect his ability to sit, stand, and sleep. His treating physicians recommended surgery to address the ongoing problems. Defense medical expert Dr. David Robson disputed the need for the procedure, arguing it was not warranted by the clinical picture.

The case turned on more than medical necessity. Taylor, a musician, testified that the proposed surgery carried a risk of damaging his vocal cords and potentially ending his ability to sing. That testimony, according to trial reports, carried weight with the jury. Plaintiff's attorney Tom Wilmowski of Schultz and Myers framed the injuries not only as physical limitations but as a threat to Taylor's livelihood and identity as a performer.

The defense acknowledged some fault on Pollman's part but argued Taylor had failed to keep a careful lookout and bore partial responsibility for the collision. The jury sided largely with Taylor, allocating 75 percent of fault to Pollman and 25 percent to Taylor. The gross verdict of $250,000 was reduced to $187,500 after the comparative fault adjustment under Missouri law.

Judge Calea Stovall-Reid presided over the case in St. Louis City Circuit Court (Case No. 1522-CC11040). The verdict was returned August 8, 2017. Prior to trial, the parties had been far apart: Taylor's last demand was $150,000 and State Farm's last offer was $50,000.