Yagla & McCarthy Secure Defense Verdict for Client in Gwinnett County Low-Impact Auto Case

ATLANTA, GA – November 20, 2025 – Senior Associate Ashley Yagla and Partner Brian McCarthy of Waldon Adelman Castilla McNamara & Prout successfully obtained a complete Defense Verdict in Gwinnett County following a three-day trial involving a 2021 low-impact rear-end collision.

The plaintiff, who was rear-ended by our client, claimed significant, permanent injuries including neck and back pain, and a torn meniscus requiring surgery. The plaintiff alleged total medical expenses of $106,540 and asked the jury for an award totaling $640,750.46 in closing arguments. The pre-trial settlement offer was $31,987.

Case Details and Trial Strategy

The core of the defense strategy focused on the lack of causation between the minimal force of the accident and the claimed injuries.

Key elements leading to the successful defense verdict included:

• Minimal Property Damage: The defense successfully highlighted the fact that the accident involved virtually no property damage, using photographic evidence to visually contradict the severity of the alleged injuries.
• Inconsistent Reporting: The team effectively used an early intake form to show inconsistencies in the plaintiff’s immediate post-accident complaints.
• Expert Testimony: Critical testimony was provided by a defense medical expert, who established that the low-impact forces were highly unlikely to be the cause of the plaintiff’s torn meniscus and subsequent surgery.

Following deliberation, the jury returned a full Defense Verdict, awarding zero damages and rejecting the plaintiff’s claim entirely.

Partner Brian McCarthy commented, “The jury clearly understood that a small impact cannot justify a six-figure claim, especially when the evidence—from the vehicle pictures to the expert medical testimony—points to a lack of causation. We are pleased to achieve this excellent result for our client.”