CSK Defense Team
Jacksonville Partners Brian Aull and Sami Achem
Jacksonville Associate Kristoffer Budhram
Case Summary
This case arose from a rear-end collision following a sudden stop in traffic. The Plaintiff claimed she suffered significant injuries and alleged that the Defendant was legally responsible for the crash. After the accident, the Plaintiff underwent three surgical procedures, including a two-level cervical fusion and lumbar surgery.
Because the case was filed before Florida’s tort reform changes, the Plaintiff sought substantial damages, presenting more than $460,000 in past medical bills and claiming approximately $700,000 in total damages. At trial, the Plaintiff requested more than $1.4 million in damages.
Defense Strategy
The CSK Defense Team challenged both liability and causation. Evidence showed that the Plaintiff’s actions contributed to the crash, including the sudden stop preceding the collision. The defense also disputed whether the Plaintiff’s medical treatment and surgeries were caused by the accident, highlighting gaps between the incident and treatment as well as alternative explanations for her condition.
By emphasizing comparative negligence and weaknesses in the causation evidence, the defense framed the case around fairness and shared responsibility.
Outcome
After a four-day jury trial, the jury found the Plaintiff and Defendant each 50% comparatively at fault. The jury awarded less than 1% of the claimed past medical expenses, no future medical expenses, and found no permanent injury. It also awarded no damages for pain and suffering or other non-economic losses.
The verdict reflects careful consideration of comparative negligence and causation and triggered post-trial settlement protections for the defense.
Our team is available to discuss the topics written here and ready to provide additional information contained in this article. Contact us for more information.
