On August 27 and 28, 2018, Jonathan M. Adelman obtained a defense verdict on behalf of his client, who admitted fault for a motor vehicle collision.  At the time of the accident, the defendant was  intoxicated.  She was arrested for, and pled guilty to, DUI.  The accident involved a significant impact, totaling plaintiff’s vehicle.  Plaintiff claimed a knee injury consisting of a non-displaced tibia plateau fracture and a meniscal tear.  She underwent one surgery, and her surgeon recommended a second surgery.  Plaintiff claimed past and future healthcare expenses in the amount of $55,000, lost wages in the amount of $16,000, and punitive damages.  Prior to trial, the lowest demand was $150,000.   Defendant’s pre-trial offer, through her insurance company, was $80,000.  The verdict, which came after 45 minutes of deliberations, was influence by the repeated impeachment of the plaintiff during cross-examination.

On August 21, 2018, Jodene White obtained an excellent verdict in an admitted fault case in Clayton County.  The plaintiff presented $3,188.20 in medical special damages.  Plaintiff’s attorney asked the jury for over $24,000.00.  The jury returned a verdict of only $5,000.00.

On June 25 and 26, 2018, Jonathan Adelman successfully tried a clear fault motor vehicle collision case to a defense verdict in the State Court of Cobb County.  The jury deliberated for two and one-half hours before determining that plaintiff’s alleged shoulder injury and resulting surgery were not related to the accident, despite the testimony of plaintiff’s surgeon.  Plaintiff had documented healthcare expenses in the amount of $70,000 and lost wages in the amount of $6,000.  Pre-suit, the defendant’s insurance carrier had offered $10,000 to settle.  Plaintiff would not consider settling for a dime less than the policy limits.

Following a two day trial in Clayton County, Ashley Rice secured a defense verdict in an admitted fault case.  Plaintiff alleged nearly $12,000 in healthcare expenses and her treatment included a cervical epidural steroid injection.  Plaintiff’s treating chiropractor testified live and she submitted a narrative from her medical doctor.  Both healthcare providers related plaintiff’s injuries to the rear-end accident with Ms. Rice’s client.  Still, the jury determined that plaintiff failed to prove that the accident with Ms. Rice’s client was the cause of her alleged injuries.

WACHP Press Release – KDS 4.2018 (Edited Version 2)

On April 21, the Saturday Lawyer Program for the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers’ Foundation featured the strong efforts of six (6) of WACHP’s associates: Lindsay Mayo, Luciana Aquino, Andrea Baker, Casey Brown, Heather Keller, and Kayla Bell.   We are proud to have them represent our firm and are thankful for their donation of time to this great cause.  

Dan Prout and Sarah Britt recently obtained a very favorable verdict ($0 for the plaintiff!) in the State Court of Cobb County.  The plaintiff claimed $140,000 in medical expenses and underwent low back surgery.  The plaintiff’s orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Charles Cha and pain management specialist, Dr. Kamal Kabakibou testified by video at trial.  They both related the plaintiff’s injuries and the need for surgery to the accident. Mr. Prout was able to show that a non-party struck the plaintiff’s vehicle first in a three (3) car chain accident.  Also, the plaintiff was impeached numerous times.   The plaintiff was represented by an experienced trial attorney.  The jury returned a verdict for the plaintiff  for $0.  

DCP Cobb County Win – Daily Report Article

WACHP attorneys spent their Saturday offering pro bono work at the Saturday Lawyer’s Program with the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation.  Attorneys spent time meeting with participants, counseling those participants, and drafting documents on behalf of Metro Atlanta residents.  They provided advice on unpaid wage and landlord-tenant disputes.  At the conclusion of the day, many of the participating attorneys agreed to formally continue their representation of these participants. WACHP encourages partners and associates to give back to the community through its ongoing pro bono and community service program.  For more information about WACHP’s Pro Bono and Community Service Program, please contain our program chair, Celeste Noelle Gaines, Esq. at cgaines@wachp.com.

On February 14, 2018, after a three (3) day trial in the Superior Court of Jasper County, Hilliard Castilla and Matthew Hurst successfully secured a defense verdict for their client in connection with an accident that occurred in late 2014. The lawsuit involved a T-Bone style collision, extensive property damage to both vehicles, and more than $40,000 in medical expenses. The lawsuit involved a disputed fault accident in which plaintiff’s testimony and the police report showed the defendant striking the driver’s-side of plaintiff’s vehicle. During cross examination, Mr. Castilla was able impeach the plaintiff in regards to several crucial details about the accident and his treatment. In doing so, Mr. Castilla was able to show the jury that plaintiff’s testimony was suspect, and should not be believed. In his closing argument, plaintiff asked the jury to award more than $200,000 in pain and suffering, and future medical expenses. Ultimately, the jury of twelve (12) was unpersuaded, and they returned a defense verdict. The jury found the plaintiff had failed to carry his burden of proof in showing that Mr. Castilla’s client was responsible for the accident.