CSK Defense Team
Miami Managing Partner Gene Kissane
Pensacola Partner Grayson Miller
Overview
Cole, Scott & Kissane successfully defended a pontoon boat rental company in a personal injury lawsuit arising from a recreational boating accident in Okaloosa County, Florida. Following a week-long jury trial in 2023 that resulted in a defense verdict, the First District Court of Appeal affirmed the verdict in January 2026 to preserve the win for the Defendant.
The 2023 Trial
The case was brought by a Plaintiff who alleged serious injuries related to the rental and operation of a pontoon boat and claimed Defendant was legally responsible for the incident and resulting damages.
The CSK Defense Team represented the Defendant pontoon boat rental company through discovery and the week-long trial. After hearing the evidence and arguments, the jury returned a defense verdict rejecting both of Plaintiff’s claims.
The Appeal and Outcome
The Plaintiff appealed the defense verdict, and the First District Court of Appeal affirmed all of the trial court’s rulings thereby allowing the jury’s verdict to stand and bringing the litigation to a successful conclusion for the Defendant.
What the Affirmance Means
An appellate affirmance confirms that the defense strategy, trial presentation, and evidentiary record were sound and supported by both the facts and the law.
This outcome highlights CSK’s ability to secure defense verdicts at trial and to develop strong records that withstand appellate scrutiny, reflecting the firm’s experience, preparation, and disciplined approach to high-stakes litigation.
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