Natasha Coyle - Vernis & Bowling

Natasha Coyle, Esq.
Department Managing Attorney
Vernis & Bowling of Palm Beach, P.A. 618 U.S. Highway One North Palm Beach, FL 33408
Phone: (561) 775-9822
Email: NCoyle@Florida-Law.com
Fax: (561) 775-9821
Website: www.national-law.com
V-Card Email

Verdicts and Dispositions

Passarelli v. The Cheesecake Factory
G. Jeffrey Vernis and Natasha Coyle (N. Palm Beach, FL)(Premises Liability) tried the case of Passarelli v. The Cheesecake Factory in Palm Beach County, Florida from July 22-26, 2024 and beat the proposal for settlement filed almost 2 years earlier. This negligence claim involved an incident where the Plaintiff fell after an employee moved a chair 3 seconds before the Plaintiff attempted to sit in it. The Plaintiff claimed to have sustained a significant low back injury, had several epidural steroid injections and ultimately underwent a two-level spinal fusion. While the Plaintiff did have some prior minor low back complaints, she did not have any significant low back medical history, treatment or surgical recommendation. The Plaintiff incurred over $245,000 in past medical expenses and her doctor testified that she would need future medical treatment including an additional low back surgery. The Plaintiff asked the jury for over $1,015,000. The defense contended that the plaintiff was herself at fault for her fall and that she had longstanding preexisting conditions, and that the medical treatment was unrelated to the fall.

After the five-day jury trial, the jury returned a verdict finding the Plaintiff 75% at fault and awarding her $92,500, less than 10% of what Plaintiff’s counsel asked the jury to award and less than the proposal for settlement offered by the Defendant almost two years earlier. Post-trial motions are pending.
Battle v. Ainsworth d/b/a Chick-fil-A
G. Jeffrey Vernis and Natasha Coyle (Palm Beach) (Premises Liability) obtained an excellent result in a 6-day jury trial in Palm Beach County, Florida on May 1, 2024. The case arose from a slip and fall that occurred in a service hallway located inside the Gardens Mall. The Plaintiff was working as a housekeeper and alleges that water spilled from the premises or property of the Chick-fil-A creating a dangerous condition causing him to fall. The Plaintiff claimed to have suffered injuries to his low back, neck, both knees and both shoulders. He underwent numerous medical procedures including two surgeries to his neck and lower back. The medical expenses that were presented to the jury totaled $594,746 and evidence of future medical expenses of $200,000. The Plaintiff’s pre-trial demand was $750,000 and the Plaintiff asked the jury to award $1,944,746. After the six-day trial, the jury returned a verdict finding Chick-fil-A only 20% at fault and awarded only $166,500 in total damages, making the recovery against Chick-fil-A only $33,300. Post trial motions are pending.

Areas Of Practice

Automobile Liability (PIP/PD/BI/UM)
Civil Litigation
General Civil Litigation
Liability Defense
Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution
Premises Liability

Bar & Court Admission

Florida Bar
United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida

Education

Graduate:
DePaul University College of Law, J.D.
Undergraduate:
Oglethorpe University, B.A. in Psychology

Natasha was born in Houston, Texas, but has called Florida home since 2008. After graduating from Oglethorpe University, Natasha worked as an I.T. professional in Atlanta, Georgia. Natasha then attended DePaul University College of Law in Chicago, Illinois and graduated with honors. Upon graduation, Natasha moved to South Florida in order to avoid the harsh winters of Chicago. Natasha has spent the majority of her legal career in the world of insurance defense. Prior to joining Vernis & Bowling, Natasha worked in-house for two of the largest automobile insurers in the state.

Since joining Vernis & Bowling, Natasha focuses her practice on defending all forms of personal injury claims, including automobile accidents and premises liability. Additionally, Natasha defends claims on behalf of the Florida Department of Children & Families and the agencies that support them. Natasha’s work at the firm includes handling matters pre-suit, preparing responses to complaints, preparing and responding to discovery, responding to and preparing motions, attending hearings, depositions, settlement negotiations, mediations and trials.

When Natasha is not busy defending clients, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Van, and her many fur babies, including pigs Daisy, Charlie and Zoe. Natasha also is an avid outdoor enthusiasts who enjoys fishing, hiking and kayaking.

Footer