CSK Defense Team
Tampa Partner Howard Scholl
Tampa Associate Lowell Brown
Case Summary
In a liability-only trial in Pasco County, the Defendant, a small business owner operating a vehicle transport service, was sued following a collision on US 301 near Zephyrhills, Florida. The Defendant had stopped briefly on the southbound shoulder with a trailer attached to a Ford F-250. A portion of the trailer extended slightly into the roadway.
The Plaintiff, traveling southbound, collided with the trailer and sustained multiple injuries, including those requiring potential surgical intervention.
Defense Strategy
The CSK Defense Team focused on challenging liability, presenting dashcam footage and other evidence to show that the Plaintiff bore significant responsibility for the accident.
Although the Plaintiff insisted that the Defendant was entirely at fault, the defense maintained that the Plaintiff failed to exercise due care while driving.
Verdict
After a brief 40-minute jury deliberation (including lunch), the jury found the Plaintiff 80% at fault. A high/low agreement had been reached prior to regarding damages. The final verdict was just above Defendant’s last settlement offer before trial, and the outcome was well-received by the insurance carrier.
Special Thanks
Tampa Paralegal/Legal Assistant Christine Jurski
Tampa Legal Assistant Heather Akridge
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