Duval County Jury Rejects More Than $7 Million in Claimed Damages

CSK Defense
Jacksonville Managing Partner Patrick Snyder
Jacksonville Partner Alexandra Dabek

Case Summary
This case arose from a rear-end motor vehicle accident involving a Plaintiff, an employee driver, and an electrical company. Because liability was admitted, the trial focused on the nature and extent of the claimed injuries and damages.

The Plaintiff reported neck, back, and headache symptoms and sought emergency room care after initially declining treatment at the scene. She later underwent pain management procedures and was recommended for future neck and back surgeries. With approximately $117,000 in past medical expenses, the Plaintiff sought more than $7 million in total damages.

Defense Strategy
The CSK Defense Team focused on whether the accident caused the serious and lasting injuries alleged by the Plaintiff. Before trial, the Court excluded the Plaintiff’s life care planning expert after finding that the expert was disclosed too late and had significantly changed his opinions shortly before trial. The Court also prevented a treating surgeon from presenting new opinions about future medical care that had not previously been disclosed.

At trial, the defense used orthopedic and radiology expert testimony to show that the Plaintiff’s imaging reflected degenerative conditions rather than injuries caused by the accident. The Team also challenged the amount of the medical bills through testimony that presented substantially lower values for the treatment provided

Outcome
Following a four-day trial and approximately two hours of deliberation, the jury awarded the Plaintiff approximately $61,000 in past medical expenses and nothing for future medical care. The jury found no permanent injury and awarded no damages for pain and suffering.

The result demonstrates the value of closely examining medical evidence and claimed damages, particularly when future treatment and permanent injury are central issues at trial.