Franklin Smith v. Jamal Simpson and Angelia Simpson

Mitch Evans (Atlanta) (Automobile Liability) obtained a Defense Verdict on September 16, 2021 in the State Court of Fulton County in an admitted liability rear-end collision auto accident case. Plaintiff claimed shoulder, neck and back injuries. He did not have any relevant prior or subsequent claims, injuries or treatment. Plaintiff received chiropractic and orthopedic care including cervical facet block injections and a one level cervical radiofrequency ablation and claimed medical expenses in excess of $33,000.00 and lost wages in excess of $6,000.00. Plaintiff claimed ongoing pain and suffering from his injures and Plaintiff’s counsel suggested a verdict for Plaintiff of $280,000.00 in closing argument. The Court granted directed verdicts to Defendant on Plaintiff’s claims for punitive damages, attorney’s fees, and expenses at the close of Plaintiff’s case. One juror stated, post-trial, that 11 of the 12 jurors were ready to return a verdict for Defendant as soon as deliberations began. The sole juror that wanted to talk about a possible award in favor of Plaintiff never considered awarding Plaintiff his full claimed medical expenses and lost wages.