Motor Vehicle Accident – No Injuries
Attorney Involved | Kevin R. Kratzer
Boyle | Shaughnessy Law attorney Kevin Kratzer recently obtained a defense verdict in Hartford Superior Court for a motor vehicle accident case where the defendant admitted negligence during trial. The plaintiff claimed that he suffered neck and back injuries as a result of the accident. The plaintiff, who was stopped at red light, was driving a “mini-bus” and transporting patients to medical appointments at the time of the accident. When the light turned green, the defendant took her foot off the gas, and struck the rear of the plaintiff’s vehicle, resulting in minor damage to the bumper. Although the police responded to the accident, the plaintiff did not report injuries until the end of his shift several hours later. The plaintiff, who had no record of prior related treatment, treated regularly for the alleged soft tissue injuries for several years with an orthopedic physician, chiropractor, and physical therapist. He received multiple epidural steroid injections to his lumbar spine for severe pain.
The defendant admitted fault for the accident at trial, but disputed the nature, extent and cause of the plaintiff’s injuries. Prior to and during the trial, the plaintiff made several inconsistent statements about the nature and extent of his injuries, which were highlighted during cross examination and closing argument. The plaintiff made a final pre-trial demand of $20,000.00 to settle the case, and asked the jury for an award of $75,000.00 during closing arguments. The defendant offered $9,000.00 to settle the case before trial. After a short deliberation following a two day trial, the jury returned a defense verdict, finding that the plaintiff had failed to prove that any injuries were caused by the motor vehicle accident.