The biggest personal-injury award in U.S. history happened on Tuesday with a record breaking $150 billion in punitive damages to the parents and estate of Robert Ray “Robbie” Middleton.
The award was first presented to send a message to the entire legal system to finally charge Don Willburn Collins for the burn injuries of Middleton.
Middleton was set on fire in 1998 on his eighth birthday by thirteen-year-old Don Willburn Collins. Collins had sexually molested Middleton two weeks prior.
According to the case, Middleton had just received a tent for a birthday gift when Collins attacked him in the woods near his home, just northeast of Houston. Collins threw a cup of gasoline in Middleton’s face, tied him to a tree with fishing line, poured gasoline on him and set him on fire. Middleton was able to escape as the fishing line melted, and neighbors found him collapsed at the edge of the woods.
At the time, Collins was detained for a short period of time, but was later released due to insufficient evidence and because of how young both boys were, the reliability of their testimonies seemed uncertain. Middleton was difficult to communicate with during the proceedings due to his injuries.
On Tuesday, a jury in La Grange, Texas found in the Middleton’s favor, ordering Collins to pay them $370 million in actual damages. The Middleton family was not expecting to be rewarded the entire thing and only wanted people to know that Robbie Middleton didn’t deserve what happened and hoped the requested sum in itself would send a message to the world.
Sadly, Middleton suffered enormous deformities even after numerous skin treatments. He died at the age of twenty, in April, after developing skin cancer.
Collins, who is now twenty-six, is currently in prison for assaulting another eight-year-old victim. He is due to be released from prison next year.
Even after the being rewarded the sum, attorneys for Montgomery County are finding it extremely difficult in charging Collins for the assault. They are working very hard to gather evidence and witnesses in hopes to finally find justice for Robbie Middleton.
Before this record breaking settlement, the largest civil settlement on record was $145 billion in a Florida class-action case against tobacco companies.
After suffering a severe injury, you might feel that justice can be hard to come by. If you or a loved one is seeking justice, contact the attorneys at V&B for a free consultation. Visit our FAQ page for free information on your situation and how we may help. Toll Free: 888-473-1258.
Category: Burns & Smoke Inhalation
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