Jury Sides with Defense in I-20 Rear-End Collision Case

After a three-day trial in Fulton County, Partner Rakhi McNeill and Associate Katherine Rouse of Waldon Adelman Castilla McNamara & Prout successfully defended their client, securing a favorable jury verdict in a personal injury lawsuit stemming from a rear-end car accident.

The case, which involved a moderate, admitted-fault collision on I-20, centered on the plaintiff’s claims of neck and shoulder injuries. The plaintiff underwent shoulder surgery months after the accident and claimed continued pain to his shoulder afterwards. He also alleged herniated discs in his cervical spine necessitating a future surgery for his continued neck pain. Plaintiff asked the jury to award $6M to $10M for his medical expenses, future surgery, and pain and suffering.

The trial team presented a compelling case to the jury, highlighting significant gaps in the plaintiff’s medical treatment history and inconsistent statements made throughout the four and a half years of litigation. After an hour and twenty minutes of deliberation, the jury returned a verdict of $300,000.

“After nearly 4.5 years of often contentious litigation, it was incredibly rewarding to obtain this verdict for our client,” said Rouse. “From day 1, he took responsibility for the accident and any of plaintiff’s injuries it caused, but he felt he should not have to pay for injuries he wasn’t responsible for. This verdict represents justice for our client and shows the jury agreed.”