Michelle Hendrix and Rebecca Parker (Pensacola, FL) (PIP) obtained a favorable verdict on behalf of Allstate insureds, Joseph Lennon and Jennifer Lennon, litigated against Michles and Booth, a local firm that is “For the Victims.”
The verdict was obtained following a Santa Rosa County jury trial in the case of Morgan Holland v. Joseph Lennon and Jennifer Lennon. Plaintiff had approximately $45,000 in past medical expenses, two treating physicians who testified that she had a permanent injury to her cervical and lumbar spine, and a claim for future pain management estimated at $139,000 – $250,000. The defense was unable to locate any pre-existing injuries.
The defense had a record review only, with no physical examination of the plaintiff, due to issues related to the plaintiff having moved to North Carolina. Plaintiff testified that she enjoyed a pain free life, other than the occasional migraine headache, prior to this accident. As a result of the accident, she was claiming an odontoid fracture and two bulging discs in the lumbar spine.
In closing argument, the defense, knowing that most of the bills would be set-off by PIP payments, conceded that the jury should allow initial medical treatment and a limited amount of treatment following, but nothing related to the past pain management or any future pain management. The jury agreed and awarded just over $15,000 in past medical expenses. The jury also agreed with the defense that the plaintiff did not suffer a permanent injury, and, therefore no other damages were awarded.