On October 29 and 30, 2018, Jonathan Adelman tried a motor vehicle collision case to a defense verdict in Cobb County. Plaintiff was claiming neck injuries and significant TMJ syndrome.  Plaintiff’s expert dentist testified that the motor vehicle collision caused the TMJ injury.  However, social media posts showed that plaintiff experienced significant dental problems before the collision and was participating in Karaoke within three weeks after the collision, thereby drawing into question the validity of her claims.  Prior to trial, plaintiff had demanded $50,000 to settle.

On September 4 and September 5, 2018, Rakhi McNeill and Anthony Matthews obtained a defense verdict in Cobb County on behalf of their client who admitted fault in a motor vehicle accident.  Plaintiff did not complain of injury at the scene but went to the emergency room on the day of the accident.  The next day she began chiropractic care and sought treatment with a medical doctor, who administered a cervical epidural steroid injection.  Plaintiff claimed that her pain had not improved at all and also claimed continued pain and suffering from the accident which occurred 5 years ago.  The verdict, which came after less than an hour of deliberation, was influenced by the impeachment of plaintiff on cross-examination and the inconsistencies of her testimony when compared to the other evidence in the case.

We are pleased to announce that Becky Gabelman has been elected to partnership in the firm.  Becky has been instrumental to our firm’s success and is a vital part of our future.

In a clear liability case where plaintiff incurred over $280,000 in past medical expenses and underwent spine injections and two (2) shoulder surgeries, Jonathan M. Adelman obtained a defense verdict in favor of his client, the sole defendant in the case.  It took the Fulton County jury of twelve (12) under fifteen (15) minutes to return with the verdict.  Prior to trial, the settlement negotiations broke down with plaintiff’s lowest demand at $380,000 and the defendant’s highest settlement offer at $145,000.  In closing argument, plaintiff’s counsel requested  the jury to return with a verdict in the amount of $846,000.  In closing argument, Mr. Adelman questioned the credibility of plaintiff and plaintiff’s expert and asked the jury to determine that the burden of proof had not been carried.  Notably, a significant portion of plaintiff’s medical expenses had been paid by a medical funding company.  According to the plaintiff‘s contract with the medical funding company, the stated charges for plaintiff’s treatment were significantly greater than what the funding company paid, but the contract still required payment of the stated charges in the event that the plaintiff prevailed

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.