CSK Defense Team
Tampa Administrative Partner Michelle Bartels
Tampa Associate Dallas Bright
Case Summary
A three-day jury trial in Pinellas County focused on a parking lot T-bone collision in which liability was admitted and both vehicles were declared total losses. The plaintiff alleged neck, back, and left knee injuries with radiculopathy, claimed more than $62,000 in medical expenses, and underwent injections along with receiving multiple surgical recommendations. At trial, the plaintiff sought nearly $945,000 in damages against the defendant, a local business owner involved in the accident.
Defense Strategy
The CSK Defense Team conducted a thorough investigation into the plaintiff’s medical history and uncovered a long-standing record of prior accidents and consistent pre-existing neck, back, and radicular complaints spanning nearly twenty years. Using this evidence, the defense demonstrated that the plaintiff’s own experts lacked critical historical information and that the alleged injuries were neither new nor causally related to the accident.
By carefully walking the jury through the plaintiff’s medical records before and after the collision, the defense showed that no material change occurred as a result of the incident. To further assist the jury, the team presented a narrowly tailored alternative damages assessment—limited to short-term chiropractic care—supported by the findings of the independent medical examiner.
Outcome
After just two hours of deliberation, the jury returned a complete defense verdict, rejecting the plaintiff’s claim for nearly $945,000. This result underscores the value of thorough investigation into pre-existing conditions, comprehensive review of long-term medical histories, and strategic use of expert testimony. Even in cases involving admitted liability and significant claimed injuries, careful documentation and credible medical evidence can lead to a successful defense outcome.
Special Thanks
Tampa Paralegal Jennifer Guiteau
Tampa Legal Assistant Anastasia Kostina
Tampa Scheduler Destiny Agostini
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