Defense Verdict Secured in Hillsborough County Auto Accident Trial

CSK Defense Team
Miami Partner Alejandro Cura
Miami Partner David Caballero
Miami Associate Eric Ramputh

Case Summary
This case arose from a rear-end automobile accident in which the Defendant admitted liability for the collision. The Plaintiff claimed she suffered lumbar spine injuries, along with lost wages as a result of the crash. At trial, the Plaintiff sought approximately $800,000 in damages, including $35,000 in past medical bills and more than $750,000 for alleged future medical expenses and pain and suffering. Despite the Defendant’s failure to appear at trial, the court required the case to proceed before a jury.

Defense Strategy
The CSK Defense Team employed a strong causation-based approach, emphasizing that not all of the Plaintiff’s claimed injuries were caused by the accident. Through coordinated expert testimony from an accident reconstructionist, biomechanical expert, orthopedic physician, and radiologist, the defense challenged the nature and extent of the alleged injuries. As a result, the court granted directed verdicts in favor of the Defendant on the Plaintiff’s claims related to her right knee, thoracic spine, and alleged loss of earning capacity, significantly narrowing the issues presented to the jury.

Outcome
After just one hour of deliberation, the jury returned a full defense verdict, finding that the Defendant’s negligence was not the legal cause of the Plaintiff’s claimed damages. This outcome is particularly notable given the Plaintiff’s $800,000 demand at trial, the admission of liability, and the Defendant’s absence throughout the trial. The verdict reinforces the importance of a focused causation defense and demonstrates that even in admitted-liability cases, Plaintiffs must still meet their burden of proof to connect alleged injuries and damages to the accident.

Special Thanks to the Miami Team
Paralegal Lydia Glassmer
Legal Assistant Tracy Walker