In what is believed to be the highest personal injury verdict ever rendered in Fayette State Court, Patrice Ann Maucere and James Vincent Maucere were awarded a total of $190,000 last week.

The Mauceres, of Peachtree City, brought the lawsuit as the result of a rear-end collision that occurred Oct. 29, 1997 on Ga. Highway 74 in Peachtree City.

A dump truck owned by defendant Thompson Trucking Company Inc. and driven by defendant Joe N. Terrell collided with the rear of a lien of cars that included the Mauceres' car, driven by Mrs. Maucere.

Mrs. Maucere suffered a burst fragment of her spine and other injuries, and sought to recover medical bills, lost wages and past and future pain. The jury awarded her $180,000.

Maucere brought a claim for the loss of companionship of his wife and was awarded $10,000. The jury deliberated for more than five hours.

State Court Judge Fletcher Sams presided over the three-day trial.

The Mauceres were represented by Cale Conley and Richard Griggs with the firm Butler, Wooten, Overby, Fryhofer, Daughtery and Sullivan in Atlanta and Columbus.

“We are happy for Pat and Jim and gratified to see that the jury system works,” said Conley.