Christian & Small is pleased to announce that Partners Priscilla K. Williams and Neal D. Moore won a complete defense verdict in a 7-figure personal injury case. In closing argument, the plaintiff asked a federal court jury to award a verdict between $1.2 million and $1.9 million for a seven-level cervical fusion following a rear-end collision caused by a phantom vehicle that pulled out in front of the plaintiff’s vehicle. Damages inflation efforts by the personal injury lawyers for the plaintiff included the argument that the plaintiff should receive up to $35 per hour for both past and future pain and suffering starting from the date of the accident for the rest of the plaintiff’s life.
“We anticipated and prepared for these tactics, which was a key part of our defense strategy,” said Priscilla Williams. Williams conducted a highly effective cross-examination of the plaintiff based on a thorough analysis of the medical records. The plaintiff’s own trial testimony and treatment history severely diminished the opposing attorney’s damages argument which Williams re-enforced during closing arguments. “We never lost sight of our liability arguments, while plaintiff’s attorneys heavily focused on the injuries. We felt confident in our ask for a complete defense verdict,” said Williams. Neal Moore said “I am so happy for our client who genuinely did nothing wrong. The jury got this one right.”
Christian & Small’s approach to its insurance clients allows it to defend the company and its insureds against the rising impact of lawsuit abuse and nuclear verdicts. “We are proud of our insurance practice group. I truly believe we make a positive impact for businesses and individuals who are constantly dealing with increased premiums because of excessive and inflated jury verdicts,” said Insurance Practice Group Chair Jim Pattillo. The Insurance Practice Group at Christian Small continuously looks for ways to effectively analyze issues, identify risks, and limit exposure for virtually every type of insurance-based matter. Reduced cycle times, timely and concise reporting, and high-level trial advocacy skills at Christian Small allow insurers to effectively manage litigation portfolios.
About Christian & Small
Christian & Small LLP represents a diverse clientele throughout Alabama, the Southeast, and the nation with clients ranging from individuals and closely-held businesses to Fortune 500 corporations. By matching highly experienced lawyers with specific client needs, Christian & Small develops innovative, effective, and efficient solutions for clients. With offices in Birmingham, metro-Jackson, Mississippi, and the Alabama Gulf Coast, Christian & Small focuses on the areas of litigation and business, is a member of the International Society of Primerus Law Firms, and is the only Alabama-based member firm in the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity. Our corporate social responsibility program is focused on education, and diversity is one of Christian & Small’s core values.
No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.