Attorneys Blake Cole and Kelly Salgado, with the assistance of associate attorney Amber Austin, obtained a complete defense verdict last week in St. John’s County. The victory occurred after a four-day trial.
The case arose after Plaintiff alleged that our client failed to adhere to the contract associated with the uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance (UM) policy purchased by the Plaintiff. The motor vehicle accident that precipitated this case occurred when Plaintiff’s vehicle struck a third party’s vehicle at an intersection on a heavily travelled St. John’s County Road. Liability was hotly contested.
The case involved application of Florida’s 2023 Tort Reform, which affected the presentation of evidence for past and future medical expenses, as well as application of modified comparative negligence. During discovery, Saalfield Shad uncovered extensive prior medical records that contradicted Plaintiff’s deposition testimony. Additionally, Saalfield Shad obtained critical surveillance of the Plaintiff that also starkly contradicted the limitations she described at her deposition. At trial, Plaintiff was strenuously cross-examined on her past medical history and the surveillance video. Both parties presented competing accident reconstruction experts. Ultimately, the jury was out 15 minutes and returned a complete defense verdict on liability.
As an independent, Jacksonville-based civil litigation law firm, the attorneys at Saalfield Shad, P.A. have represented self-insured entities and insurance companies in North Florida for decades. The firm’s lawyers have extensive trial experience in state and federal courts, exceptional litigation skills, and diversified practices. With deep local ties in the community, they have built a reputation for successful representation, proactive and personalized counsel, and outstanding client service.
Disclaimer: Prior results achieved by Saalfield Shad, P.A. do not guarantee a similar outcome for other clients