Tampa Associate, Dallas Bright, and Tampa partner, Michelle Bartels, recently received a very favorable verdict in Pasco County after a 3-day trial.
The case involved an admitted liability, rear-end accident, where Plaintiff claimed neck and back injuries, with about $75,000 in past medical expenses and $70,000 in future medical expenses for a future cervical fusion. Plaintiff had no prior accidents or complaints of neck or back pain.
The defense argued that there was no impact to his truck, and that the damage to the defendant’s vehicle was from debris hanging off the back of Plaintiff’s truck. They argued that Plaintiff had no objective injury, only subjective complaints of pain. Based on the CME doctor’s testimony, they suggested an award of $58,000, which included the initial ER visit, 90 days of conservative treatment and an MRI. Plaintiff asked for $2.6M in closing.
After 3 hours of deliberations, the jury returned a verdict for the amount suggested by the defense. The client and carrier are thrilled!
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