BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — A federal jury has awarded $7.5 million in punitive damages to the family of Reginald Adams, an 18-year-old who died following a drowning incident at Riverchase Country Club in Birmingham in August 2023.
The verdict was returned June 10, 2026, following a trial that started a week prior in the Robert S. Vance Federal Building. After approximately ninety minutes of deliberation, the jury found in favor of Elaine Adams, Reginald’s mother, and awarded punitive damages totaling $7,500,000.
Reginald Adams drowned in the Riverchase Country Club swimming pool on August 22, 2023. He suffered an anoxic brain injury and was pronounced dead on August 23, 2023. A recent graduate of Pelham High School, Reginald was an accomplished track athlete with his future ahead of him.
The jury found that Heritage Golf Club, LLC (“HGC”), which operates Riverchase Country Club and is part of Virginia-based Heritage Golf Group, failed to comply with mandatory public pool safety requirements. Riverchase Country Club had obtained a permit for operation as a Class A Public Pool, which required two lifeguards to be stationed in lifeguard stands while the pool was open to patrons.
Evidence presented at trial showed that HGC chose not to comply with those safety requirements, which mandated that two lifeguards be present. Under Alabama’s wrongful death law, the jury awarded punitive damages, which are intended to preserve human life, punish wrongful conduct, and deter others from engaging in similar conduct.
“While no verdict can restore the life that Reginald lost or heal the tremendous pain endured by his family, this verdict sends a clear message that public safety rules exist for a reason and cannot be ignored without consequence,” said attorney Desi Tobias, counsel for the Adams family. “We are grateful that the jury carefully considered the evidence and held the defendant accountable.”
The Adams family was represented by the attorneys of Tobias & Comer Law: Desi Tobias, Lacey Smith, Bryan Comer, and local counsel Tom Coleman.
“Our client sought accountability and answers after the loss of her son,” said attorney Lacey Smith. “The jury’s verdict reflects the importance of protecting human life and ensuring that businesses entrusted with public safety follow the rules designed to prevent tragedies like this one.”