Research Pays Off (to the Tune of $2.2 Million)

Claims Alleged: Automobile Accident; Personal Injury

Amount Claimed: $2,200,000

The Overview

Smith Freed Eberhard obtained a favorable verdict for its client in a case demanding significant economic and non-economic damages resulting from a car accident.

The Strategy

The Smith Freed Eberhard team issued 15 medical subpoenas which produced more than 2,500 pages of medical records and five depositions just five months before trial. The defense also obtained crucial tax, bank, and journal records, which resulted in approximately 100,000 pages of documents needing review and summation to prepare for impending trial. The team also retained a neurological expert and psychiatric expert to provide updated examinations of the plaintiff.

During trial, Plaintiff testified that she hadn’t been able to work consistently since the first accident. The defense zeroed in on the lack of evidence the plaintiff provided to prove her claims, including testimony or records from a job counselor, results of any physical capacity evaluation, an economist and accountant. Smith Freed Eberhard also presented discovery and testimony from its own experts who concluded the plaintiff has been fully capable of working.

The Outcome

Because of the team’s unwavering attention to detail and impeccable research, the jury returned a favorable verdict. Ultimately, the jury awarded plaintiff just $17,600 – a mere 0.008% of the originally-requested $2,200,000.