Favorable Verdict – Marion County, FL

John Kessenich and Theresa Sanders recently obtained a favorable verdict for clients after a one-week trial in an auto accident matter in Marion County, Florida. The auto accident was an admitted-liability rear-end impact. The property damage was significant, including airbag deployment. The Plaintiff was 17 at the time of the accident and claimed a permanent traumatic brain injury from a concussion diagnosed on the day of the accident. Additionally, they claimed permanent injuries to their neck and back. The Plaintiff had extensive TBI medical treatment after the accident, and recommendations for lifetime injections and ablations. The Defense strategically focused on the Plaintiff’s activities, social media, and school records after the accident to counter the claims.

At the close of the case, the Plaintiff asked the jury for $4 million in damages, including past medical expenses, future expenses, and pain and suffering. The Defense provided a range of damages from $16,000 to approximately $140,000. Ultimately, the jury awarded the Plaintiff $41,000 as a result of the accident. This verdict will likely trigger the Defense’s pre-trial Proposals for Settlement and likely result in a judgment against the Plaintiff for outstanding attorney’s fees and costs incurred by the Defense.