The Jacksonville, Florida team of Galloway Johnson Tompkins Burr & Smith tried a four-day jury trial in St. Lucie County, securing a favorable jury verdict in an auto negligence case. Autumn George, Catherine Arpen, and their team deliver precise preparation, insight, and expertise to the case. The win reflects the best of what Galloway provides: strong trial strategy, thorough analysis, and true teamwork.
Case Background
The case presented a classic “he said, she said” scenario on liability, with no physical evidence to support either party, leaving the jury to decide the conflicting testimony. The Plaintiff, a disabled veteran, claimed permanent injuries to multiple areas, including the hips, back, neck, knee, and head (alleged traumatic brain injury), as well as aggravation of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Compounding the defense challenge, the Defendant driver was out of the country on assignment during the trial, which initially drew juror concern. The Plaintiff introduced a $1.6 million life care plan in the final weeks before trial, seeking lifelong future treatment. Galloway aggressively cross-examined the life care planner and exposed flawed assumptions, lack of foundation, and reliance on Plaintiff’s self-reporting, ultimately forcing the Plaintiff to retreat to a five-year plan and concede to numerous errors.
Throughout trial, the defense focused on the degenerative nature of the claimed injuries and the lack of objective findings supporting causation or permanency. The jury found fault on both parties, and after applying comparative fault and collateral source setoffs, the net judgment was well below Plaintiff’s ask and slightly under the low end of the defense’s anticipated verdict range.
Galloway’s Transportation Representation Makes an Impact
This result is a strategic legal win which affirms the value of resisting pressure to settle inflated claims. Instead, Galloway presented a disciplined case aligned with the evidence that ultimately made a significant impact on the result.
Galloway’s experienced transportation attorneys dive into the details of each matter, focused on delivering results in complex cases. As evidenced in this case, their trial skills are a valuable asset to clients facing litigation.
Catherine Arpen combines meticulous attention to detail with unwavering dedication, crafting robust defense strategies tailored to her clients’ business goals.
Autumn George takes a strategic, client-focused approach in representing carriers and private businesses. She partners with clients to assess exposure and liability early, implementing cost-effective defense strategies. Her sharp focus and clear communication ensure that every case is positioned for success, whether through a negotiated settlement or assertive trial advocacy.
Autumn, Catherine, and the entire team in Jacksonville collaborated through a complex case to produce another favorable outcome for their clients.
