JURY ENDS PLAINTIFF’S HOPE FOR AN EXCESS VERDICT
After a three day trial, a Dekalb County jury returned with a defense verdict in favor of Jonathan Adelman’s client. Following a collision, plaintiff sought treatment for a right should injury and underwent shoulder surgery at the hand of the lead orthopaedic surgeon for one of Atlanta’s professional sports franchises. The surgeon related the injury and the surgery to the accident based upon what plaintiff told him about the onset of his symptoms. During trial, plaintiff’s credibility became a central issue, and he was repeatedly impeached. Although the jury determined that the defendant was negligent, it still found in her favor. Plaintiff refused to entertain any settlement offers for less than the policy limits. Plaintiff’s counsel asked the jury to return with a verdict in the amount of $356,000. The jury took less than one hour to return with a defense verdict.