Jury Awards $353 Million in Death of Champion Cyclist Gwen Inglis

A Jefferson County jury awarded Gwen Inglis’ family a $353 million verdict on December 6, 2022 as a result of a wrongful death civil lawsuit. Megan Hottman and Rich Kaudy of The Kaudy Firm, Megan’s mentor and trial partner, represented Gwen’s husband, Michael, and her Estate.

The six-person jury heard evidence and testimony for a day and a half before reaching its verdict. The verdict breaks down as follows:

• $100 million in non-economic damages, for pain and suffering,

• $3 million in economic damages, for the loss of Gwen’s income, and

• $250 million in punitive damages.

It is important to note that this was not a settlement. A settlement occurs when both parties agree to a resolution before trial. This was a verdict reached by a jury following evidence and witness testimony presented at trial. It is very uncommon to see a verdict of this size in JeffCo or Colorado.

We are hoping this verdict is used as a precedent in future cycling cases and that other lawyers representing injured or killed cyclists will point to this verdict in their cases and say—this is what you should do here as well. We want all drivers who hit cyclists getting hit with these kinds of verdicts and monetary consequences. 

Megan Hottman

Although there is no amount of money that will bring Gwen back, we hope that this verdict will send a message to drivers that driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is not acceptable. In the words of Gwen’s husband, "No amount can bring back Gwennie, but $350 million is a tribute to Gwen's amazing character."