Partner Priscilla K. Williams Obtains Complete Defense Verdict of Insurance Client

Partner Priscilla K. Williams Obtains Complete Defense Verdict of Insurance Client

On May 19, 2020, while on vacation in Gulf Shores, the injured plaintiff was a front seat passenger in her friend’s vehicle that was rear-ended at a stop light. Despite Plaintiff’s testimony that the impact felt severe and she was projected forward, the evidence showed there was only minor damage to the Plaintiff’s vehicle, no damage to the alleged underinsured motorist’s vehicle, neither vehicle was towed from the scene, and the investigating officer estimated the alleged underinsured motorist’s speed at impact to be 10 mph. No injuries were reported at the scene and by all appearances, Plaintiff’s vacation continued as planned.

Plaintiff testified that her pain steadily increased while she was awaiting approval for physical therapy but managed it with over the counter pain medication. The evidence also showed that a mere four months after the accident, Plaintiff and her husband (who also made a loss of consortium claim), traveled to Jackson Hole, Wyoming where they hiked, went white water rafting, and explored the scenery in an ATV/side by side vehicle. Plaintiff agreed these were physical, recreational activities but at her physical therapy appointment following this trip, reported she could no longer participate in recreational activities.

Plaintiff ultimately underwent a torn labrum repair in 2022, a carpal tunnel and cubital tunnel release in 2024, a cervical fusion in 2025, and dozens of injections and physical therapy – all of which she claimed to be related to the accident. Despite Plaintiff’s testimony as to how these injuries have changed her life and that she “no longer has good days, just tolerable days,” the evidence also established extensive international travel in the years following the accident.

During closing, Plaintiffs asked for $1.5M, comprised of $300K for past pain and suffering, $300K for future pain and suffering, $100K for the husband’s loss of consortium claim, and $611K in future medicals based on a life care plan. Priscilla successfully discredited Plaintiff’s testimony, proved an underlying settlement with the alleged underinsured motorist for $50,000, and argued Plaintiffs had already been fairly and reasonably compensated. The jury agreed with the defense, and after approximately 30 minutes of deliberation, the jury returned a complete defense verdict.

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