Defense-friendly verdict in Texas, where jury awarded less than 5% of the amount sought and ¼ of the pre-trial settlement offer.
WWHGD attorneys Chaz Klaes and Cameron Ziegler secured a favorable verdict was secured following a three day jury trial in the 63rd Judicial District Court in Val Verde County, Texas. The case arose from a rear-end collision involving a vehicle operated by an employee during the course of their delivery route.
The defense challenged the nature and extent of the plaintiff’s alleged injuries, including the need for a lumbar discectomy and potential future fusion surgery. The plaintiff, a front-seat passenger, denied back pain at the scene and delayed treatment for over a month. In addition, her limited and inconsistent medical history lacked documentation of some of the injuries claimed at trial.
Plaintiff’s counsel requested nearly $905,000 in damages. The defense presented expert testimony from an orthopedic spine surgeon disputing causation and necessity of treatment. The jury returned a verdict of $37,500, less than 5% of the amount sought. Notably, the defense had extended a pre-trial settlement offer four times the verdict amount, which the plaintiff declined.
This result reflects WWHGD’s strength in limiting exposure and challenging speculative injury claims, particularly in jurisdictions considered plaintiff-friendly.
