North County San Diego Trial Victory

Congratulations to San Diego Partner Robert C. Carlson, Associate Sophie R. Guinan, Paralegal Audrey Harper, and Legal Assistant Dion Sayles-McKinney on securing a favorable verdict, $500,000 below the settlement offer in San Diego Superior Court, North County Division.

This case arose from a rear-end automobile accident involving a commercial box truck driven in the course and scope of employment. With liability admitted, the matter proceeded as a damages-only trial. The defense focused on inflated medical bills and liens, questionable medical procedures, and exaggerated claims of injury.

The Plaintiffs alleged significant injuries requiring extensive treatment and lifelong care. Following the 7-day jury trial, in closing, Plaintiffs’ trial counsel asked the jury to award more than $15,000,000 in damages. After four hours of deliberation, the jury awarded $1,557,000, which was $500,000 below Defendants’ mid trial offer.

The favorable verdict was preceded by several key pre-trial rulings. Defendants successfully obtained exclusion of Plaintiffs’ accident reconstructionist and biomechanical expert, through a Motion in Limine. In addition, the Court granted Defendants’ oral motions preventing Plaintiffs from calling the Defendant driver and the employer’s PMK as witnesses.

Congratulations, San Diego Team!