Phillip Howell and Sarah Wickson, attorneys in Galloway Johnson Tompkins Burr & Smith’s Tampa office, secured a complete defense verdict in Indian River County. The Galloway team received the personal injury case less than six months before trial, and through their tenacious trial advocacy, they were able to deliver another positive result for their client.
Case Background
The Plaintiff claimed that while she was working at a gas station, our client closed the hood on his dump truck, striking her in the head and arm. As a result, Plaintiff underwent multiple surgeries and was allegedly unable to obtain employment for the last several years due to her doctors’ restrictions.
Phillip and Sarah successfully argued that while the closed circuit video cut out at the moment Plaintiff claimed she was struck, there was no evidence the driver had any indication Plaintiff was present, and in fact her story did not line up with what she claimed occurred after she was struck.
During the trial, Phillip was able to elicit testimony that all of the Plaintiff’s treatment was through workers’ compensation, including an admission from her most significant treating physician that he typically does not put work restrictions on patients unless the patient requests it.
The jury deliberated for just over two hours before returning a complete defense verdict, finding no liability on the part of the client.
Florida Personal Injury Defense Representation
When a client partners with Galloway Johnson Tompkins Burr & Smith, they are partnering with a full-service defense firm that has the trial experience, knowledge, and legal acumen to handle the most complex matters. From personal injury cases to other insurance defense and coverage cases, the Galloway team is determined, prepared, and driven to provide the highest quality counsel.
Sarah Wickson prioritizes responsiveness and clear communication, providing dedicated advocacy and ethical, trustworthy client relationships. She focuses on civil litigation, emphasizing general negligence, premises liability defense, and property insurance claims.
Phillip Howell leverages over twenty years of litigation and trial experience to provide precise early case assessments and strategic guidance across mediation, arbitration, and trial. A former public accountant and licensed Florida CPA, he focuses on commercial and insurance litigation—including first-party insurance, maritime, general negligence, construction defect, and professional liability—representing insurers, contractors, design professionals, and other businesses in complex claims.
Galloway’s Tampa-based defense team continues to deliver favorable outcomes for its clients facing complex litigation through practical, forward-thinking strategies, experience, and Florida expertise.
