Opinion ID: 1646811
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Rendering of Excess Judgment

Text: On January 13, 1998, Annessa Monique Theus, while operating a vehicle insured by Illinois National, made a left turn in front of and collided with a vehicle in which the plaintiff, Karen King, was a guest passenger. Less than four months after the accident, the plaintiff provided to AIG, Illinois National's independent adjuster, medical documentation evidencing soft tissue and extensive dental injuries sustained when she was thrown into the windshield of the vehicle she was occupying. [1] The plaintiff was subsequently unsuccessful in her proactive efforts to settle her bodily injury claim with Illinois National for the $10,000.00 policy limits in exchange for a full release of the insurer and Ms. Theus from any further liability. Following a bench trial on the merits, Ms. Theus was assessed total liability for the accident. The plaintiff was awarded a judgment in the amount of $74,111.86. [2] Since Illinois National was given a $10,000.00 credit representing the policy limits tendered shortly before the trial, an excess judgment was rendered against Ms. Theus in the amount of $64,111.86. On appeal, the general damages portion of the award was increased by an additional $15,000.00, thereby making the excess amount owed by Ms. Theus $79,111.86. King v. Illinois Nat'l Ins. Co., 34,473 (La. App. 2 Cir. 2/28/01), 782 So.2d 1104.