Verdict recognizes long-term impact of parking lot collision

Listen to this article

Action: Negligence

Injuries alleged: Stretch injury to nerve root, concussion, abrasions, shoulder strain

Case name: Starcher v. Kelly

Court/case no.: Horry County/2023-CP-2606695

Jury and/or judge: Benjamin Culbertson

Demand: $450,000

Highest offer: $250,000

Amount: $1.75 million

Date: June 12, 2026

Attorneys: Brendon Green and Chris Moore of Richardson Thomas in Florence and Brenton Heist of Heist Law Firm in North Charleston (for the plaintiff)

A 58-year-old woman’s life and livelihood changed dramatically after she was struck by a vehicle while walking through a parking lot, according to plaintiff’s counsel.

Before the incident, the plaintiff owned and operated a commercial pressure-washing business and regularly performed physically demanding work. She had met with the HOA vice president, who later became the defendant, to discuss a potential contract. After walking the property, she returned to her truck to retrieve a camera and binoculars to continue her evaluation.

The defendant, driving a Ford Transit van with no rear windows, backed into the plaintiff, knocking her to the ground. He immediately called 911 and remained with her until EMS arrived. She was treated in the emergency room for lacerations and diagnosed with a thoracic sprain before being released.

Over the following months, the plaintiff sought additional treatment and was diagnosed with injuries including cervical and lumbar sprains, a shoulder sprain, a concussion, and a broken thumb. While most of those injuries resolved, her low back pain persisted. Four months after the collision, she developed numbness, burning, and tingling in her right leg and was diagnosed with radiculopathy. A spinal cord stimulator trial was unsuccessful.

The defense argued imaging showed no nerve injury and recommended a $150,000 verdict. Plaintiff’s counsel sought between $2 million and $3 million in damages.