Christopher Blain, Courtney Lucke, and Phillip Jones (Tampa, FL) (Automobile Liability) obtained a complete Defense Verdict in Hillsborough County, Florida after a four (4) day trial in relation to a motor vehicle accident that occurred on March 14, 2022. Prior to trial, the Court had determined based on Plaintiff’s Motion for Summary Judgment that the driver and his employer, Michael Stevens and Seminole Towing & Recovery, respectively, were at fault in causing the subject collision. Specifically, Michael Stevens was towing a vehicle within the scope of his employment with Seminole Towing & Recovery. A tire from the vehicle that Mr. Stevens was towing detached from the vehicle and fell into the roadway, where it was later struck by the Plaintiff, Ms. Garcia.
Plaintiff was 30 years old at the time of the subject accident. The injuries she was seeking in relation to the accident were to the neck and low back. Her treatment following the accident included a hospital visit, chiropractic care, diagnostic imaging, and pain management, inclusive of an injection to the lumbar spine. Plaintiff was also recommended for future lumbar surgery.
Plaintiff filed two Proposals for settlement—one for $250K each as to each Defendant, Michael Stevens and Seminole Towing & Recovery; therefore, seeking a total of $500K to resolve this matter prior to trial. At trial, the Plaintiff sought over $2.4M from the jury in the form of pain and suffering along with additional compensation for future medical care.
The Defense argued that Plaintiff’s conditions were pre-existing and/or not caused by the subject accident.
After a short deliberation, the jury came back finding a verdict that our clients did not cause the injuries and damage alleged. As such, a complete Defense Verdict was obtained.
We will be seeking prevailing party costs.
This verdict was a result of a true team effort by the firm’s Tampa, FL office. Madaline Quintana, Nadine Wilson, Ivelisse Travieso-Ramos, Erica Chooquan and Kayla Hunter were all key players and attributed to this successful outcome for our client.