CSK Defense Team
Jacksonville Partner Christopher Walsh
Jacksonville Managing Partner Patrick Snyder
Jacksonville Associate Tyler Isaacson
Case Summary
A lawsuit stemming from a 2016 rear-end accident in Duval County proceeded to trial after the Plaintiff rejected a settlement offer. The Plaintiff alleged significant injuries, including neck pain and cervical surgery (C5-6 ACDF), with medical bills exceeding $300,000. Tragically, the Plaintiff passed away in 2023 from causes unrelated to the accident, and the Estate continued to prosecute the lawsuit. As a result, the case was limited to past economic damages and pain and suffering from the date of the accident until the date of death.
Defense Strategy
The CSK Defense Team implemented a two-pronged approach that proved decisive:
- Excluded Medical Bills: Before jury selection, the defense successfully argued that all past medical bills should be excluded because the providers failed to properly secure their claims in the probate process. This eliminated more than $300,000 in alleged damages.
- Challenged Injury Claims: Through expert testimony from radiology and orthopedic specialists, the defense demonstrated that the Plaintiff’s neck issues were long-standing and degenerative, not caused by the accident. Imaging revealed no acute injury, undermining the claim of permanent harm.
Verdict
After a brief one-hour deliberation, the jury found that although the Defendant’s negligence caused the accident, there was no permanent injury. With medical bills excluded, the award was zero. The Defendant had previously offered policy limits of $25,000, which expired in 2018.
Special Thanks to the Jacksonville Team
Paralegal Linda Culp
Legal Assistant Heather Mosley
Legal Assistant Kim Petersen
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