Defense Verdict in Auto Negligence Trial Results in “No Injury” Finding

Segal McCambridge’s trial team, led by Shareholder David Yates, secured a defense verdict following a weeklong jury trial in a third-party auto negligence case, with the jury finding that the plaintiff did not sustain an injury as a result of the accident.

The case involved a motor vehicle collision in which the defense driver failed to yield the right of way at a stop sign and was struck by the plaintiff’s vehicle. The plaintiff later underwent neck surgery, including an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion at C5-C6, as well as carpal tunnel surgery, and sought significant damages.

During discovery, the defense identified prior similar treatment records that contradicted the plaintiff’s claims. Despite this, the plaintiff pursued the case and sought $7 million in damages at trial, after declining a substantial pre-trial settlement offer.

The trial also included an unusual procedural development. During jury selection, the court declared a mistrial after sustaining a Batson challenge made by the Defense, based on the improper use of a peremptory strike by the Plaintiff. The case was subsequently retried before a new jury.

After approximately three hours of deliberation, the jury returned a verdict finding that while the defendant was negligent, the plaintiff did not sustain a compensable injury in the accident.

This result underscores the effectiveness of a focused defense strategy on causation and damages, even in cases involving significant medical treatment and high exposure demands.