Rear-End Auto; Directed Liability

Style of Case:  Stanley Carnahan III vs. Katie M. Mense

Client:  Katie M. Mense

Trial End Date:  5/27/2010

Court:  20th Judicial Circuit, St. Clair County, Illinois

Type of Case:  Rear-End Auto; Directed Liability

Judge:  The Honorable Richard Aguirre

Reed Armstrong Lawyer who tried the case:  Michael C. Hobin

Jury Verdict

On January 18, 2006, plaintiff and defendant were involved in an automobile accident in Shiloh. Defendant rear-ended the plaintiff vehicle. Plaintiff was granted summary judgment as to negligence, leaving damages as the only issue for the jury to consider.

During trial, plaintiff’s counsel called all of his witnesses live. His three witnesses were the plaintiff, the plaintiff’s wife and Dr. George Schoedinger, III. Medical expenses largely consisted of negative diagnostic testing, and plaintiff’s injury was essentially soft tissue neck and shoulder strain. During closing arguments, defense counsel suggested an award of $7,736 while plaintiff’s counsel suggested an award of $50,000. After nearly two hours of deliberation, the jury returned with an award of $8,736 including Medical bills of $4,500, Lost wages of $1,236, Past pain & suffering of $2,000, Future pain & suffering of $0, Past loss of normal life of $1,000, and Future loss of normal life of $0.

Additional Information

Last Demand:  $45,000

Verdict:  $8,736