Plaintiff Ellen Ordoyne, 40, a bartender at Mc B’s Lounge in Jacksonville, was closing down the bar in for the night when Amy Mullee Fennell attempted to enter and was turned away because it was closing time. Moments later while Ordoyne was locking the door, Fennell drove her car through the front doors, hitting Ordoyne and throwing her back 30 feet. In addition to hitting Ordoyne, Fennell, killed one person, paralyzed two people and injured others. Fennell was intoxicated at the time of the accident. She is currently serving two consecutive terms for vehicular manslaughter.
Ordoyne sued Fennell, claiming that she intentionally drove through the building because the bar denied her entrance.
Liability was admitted by the defense and the trial was held on damages.
Ordoyne was taken to the hospital where she spent about three months recovering. As a result of the incident she suffered multiple fractures to her legs, ankles, arms and hip. She additionally suffered broken ribs, a concussion and has permanent scarring. She spent about a year in rehabilitation.
As a result of her injuries she now walks with a limp and is in constant pain.
Ordoyne was awarded $1.5 million.