Opinion ID: 2070918
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Danielle Lynn Koziol, et al. v. State Farm Mutual Automobile Ins. Co.

Text: The first complaint involved statements made by Respondent during the trial of a case arising out of an automobile accident. Respondent represented Danielle Lynn Koziol in her claim against State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company (State Farm) seeking damages for personal injury to her son and property damage to her vehicle caused by a phantom driver. On March 20, 1991, a jury trial began in the Circuit Court for Harford County. During Respondent's opening remarks and direct examination of Ms. Koziol, he referred to the phantom driver as an idiot. In addition, during opening remarks, Respondent made a comment that one can expect to be jerked around when dealing with an insurance company. Judge Brennan quoted the following from Respondent's opening statement: `When you are involved in an automobile accident and it is somebody else's fault and you are dealing with their insurance company, I guess one learns to expect to get jerked around.' [Defense Counsel]: Objection. The Court: Sustain the objection. [Respondent]: