Williams v. Payne

This case involves a tort action for injuries suffered in an automobile accident. The plaintiffs, Abraham and Hattie Williams, sued the defendant, Clifford Edward Payne, for negligence. Mrs. Williams alleged serious impairment of body function; Mr. Williams alleged serious impairment of body function and permanent serious disfigurement. At the close of proofs, the plaintiffs moved for a directed verdict on the serious impairment issue. The trial judge stated that he felt the plaintiffs’ proofs were sufficient to meet the threshold injury requirement of MCL 500.3135; MSA 24.13135, but he sent…