Jurimatic: Verdicts and Settlements

A Connecticut jury awarded $425,000 in a case involving a rear-end collision, spinal and neurological injuries, and disputed underinsured motorist benefits. The plaintiff claimed the insurer failed to honor a $250K coverage policy after the at-fault driver’s limited insurance left gaps. The jury found the insurer liable for breach of contract, rejecting multiple defenses aimed at reducing payment obligations.

A jury awarded $5.8 million to UC Irvine neurosurgeon Dr. Mark Linskey after finding the UC Regents retaliated against him for whistleblowing. Despite a prior $2M verdict and court order, the university continued to sideline him from core duties. Represented by Greene Broillet & Wheeler, LLP, Dr. Linskey proved a decade-long pattern of retaliation following his patient safety complaints. The verdict sends a strong message on protecting whistleblowers in academic medicine.

Dordick Law Corporation secured a $1.325 million settlement for a pedestrian who suffered a mild traumatic brain injury after being hit by a school bus in Alameda County. The firm overcame defense challenges over delayed diagnosis and pre-existing conditions by presenting expert medical testimony and preparing aggressively for trial. The case underscores the hidden dangers of MTBI, school bus safety concerns, and the importance of thorough legal advocacy.

A Denver jury awarded $3.1 million to a man who became a quadriplegic after a hospital discharged him without diagnosing a spinal cord injury. Despite presenting with leg paralysis, the ER doctor failed to order an MRI. Attorneys David S. Woodruff and Henry Miniter used medical animations at trial to prove the negligence. The award reflects the jury’s recognition that earlier treatment could have prevented permanent paralysis.

A Brooklyn jury awarded over $2.7 million to a 40-year-old Brazilian construction worker injured in a 2019 job site accident. Concrete struck his eye, causing a fall from a ladder and leading to serious spinal and shoulder injuries. The jury sided with the plaintiff despite a delay in treatment and defense claims of pre-existing conditions. Attorney Thomas Brennan led the successful four-week damages-only trial.

Dr. Sari Edelman sued NYU Langone and senior staff for gender-based pay discrimination and retaliation. Despite a strong record, she was paid less than male colleagues and faced hostile treatment after reporting the disparity. The jury found NYU liable under the Equal Pay Act and other laws, awarding her damages for back pay, front pay, and emotional distress on July 19, 2023.

A Florida jury awarded $4.1 million to the family of Gerald Sanford, a 72-year-old man who died after an unnecessary stent procedure performed by Dr. Amarnath Vedere. The verdict followed allegations of medical negligence, failure to obtain informed consent, and undisclosed financial conflicts. The swift decision sends a powerful message about accountability in patient care.

Pedro Bigorra sued Miami-Dade County for negligence after a 2020 car crash involving a government vehicle. He claimed serious injuries and financial loss. The County denied liability, citing sovereign immunity, comparative negligence, and emergency response protections. On May 21, 2025, a jury found in favor of the County, awarding Bigorra no damages.

On October 3, 2019, Linda Medrzychowski slipped on a liquid substance while shopping at Ocean State Job Lot in Griswold, Connecticut. She filed suit, alleging the store failed to maintain safe conditions. The jury found both the plaintiff and the defendant 50% liable. Total damages reached $202,500, but her compensation was reduced to $101,250 due to shared fault. The case underscores the importance of safety protocols and shared responsibility in premises liability claims.

Jessica Ross and Treveon Taylor Sr. received a $2.25 million jury award after Dr. Jackson Gates posted graphic videos of their baby’s autopsy online. The court issued a default judgment and found Gates liable for emotional distress and invasion of privacy. A separate malpractice suit against the hospital and delivering doctor is ongoing.

In a high-profile case, a Philadelphia jury awarded $4.1 million to Alexandra Wolfson, Jason Hoffman, and their daughter Camille after a traumatic delivery and a disturbing invasion of privacy. A midwife secretly photographed the newborn’s cranial deformity and posted it online, mocking the child publicly. The jury found multiple parties negligent and assigned 85% of the blame to the midwife, awarding $1.5 million specifically for the privacy breach.

Erika Jarmila Thomas filed a negligence lawsuit after a 2022 vehicle collision in Miami-Dade County involving Brian Lee Shechtman. She claimed Shechtman failed to control his vehicle, causing serious and lasting injuries. The jury found the defendant negligent and awarded Thomas $2,856,231.15 in damages, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, and loss of life enjoyment. The case highlights key issues in auto negligence, personal injury claims, and Florida liability law.