Christy Lynn Trimbath vs. City of Lake Worth Beach

Case Background

On June 8, 2022, Plaintiff Christy Lynn Trimbath filed a Car Accident lawsuit in the Florida State, Circuit Court of Palm Beach County (Case number: 502022CA005480). Judge Maxine Cheesman presided over the case.

Cause

On September 17, 2020, Victor Raheem Marshall operated a vehicle owned by the City of Lake Worth Beach. The incident occurred on U.S. Highway 1, also known as North Dixie Highway, at 3rd Avenue South in Lake Worth Beach, Palm Beach County, Florida. Marshall drove the vehicle with the consent of the City of Lake Worth Beach. During this time, Marshall negligently operated or maintained the motor vehicle, which led to a collision with Christy Lynn Trimbath’s vehicle.

After the accident, Trimbath followed legal procedures by providing the required notice of her claim to the City of Lake Worth Beach, as mandated by section 768.28(6) of the Florida Statutes. Despite submitting this notice, Trimbath did not receive a final disposition of her claim from the City of Lake Worth Beach within the standard six-month period following her notice. The complaint stated that Trimbath satisfied or the defendants waived all conditions precedent to filing the lawsuit.

Injuries

As a direct result of the collision caused by Marshall’s alleged negligence, Christy Lynn Trimbath suffered various physical and psychological injuries. These included bodily harm, which led to ongoing pain and suffering. The impact of the accident caused Trimbath to experience disability, though the complaint did not detail the specific nature and extent of this disability. Additionally, Trimbath suffered disfigurement, indicating visible or lasting physical changes due to the accident. The trauma of the incident inflicted mental anguish on Trimbath, affecting her psychological well-being. The accident also diminished Trimbath’s capacity to enjoy life, significantly impacting her quality of life and daily activities. Furthermore, the collision aggravated a pre-existing condition, complicating her recovery and future health prospects.

Damages

The collision caused substantial financial damages to Christy Lynn Trimbath. She incurred significant expenses related to hospitalization following the accident. The injuries she sustained required ongoing medical and nursing care, which led to mounting medical bills. Beyond immediate medical costs, Trimbath experienced economic losses due to lost earnings during her recovery. The accident also impacted her future earning potential, as she lost her ability to earn money. These losses were either permanent or continuing, indicating that Trimbath would continue to suffer financial and personal losses well into the future. This suggested long-term or lifelong impacts on her financial stability and quality of life.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal representation

  • Plaintiff(s): Christy Lynn Trimbath
    • Counsel for Plaintiff: Scott Smith
  • Defendant(s):City of Lake Worth Beach | Victor Raheem Marshall
    • Counsel for Defendants: Ann G. Breeden| Danna P. Clement

Claims

Christy Lynn Trimbath filed a comprehensive complaint against both Victor Raheem Marshall and the City of Lake Worth Beach, seeking damages exceeding $30,000. Trimbath claimed that Marshall negligently operated or maintained the motor vehicle owned by the City of Lake Worth Beach, which directly caused the collision that resulted in her injuries and damages. By including the City of Lake Worth Beach in the lawsuit, Trimbath asserted vicarious liability, holding the city responsible for the actions of its employee or agent. The complaint demanded judgment against both defendants for damages, leaving the specific amount to be determined by the court. Trimbath also explicitly requested a trial by jury on all triable issues, exercising her right to have peers decide the merits of her case and the appropriate compensation.

Defense

The City of Lake Worth Beach presented a structured defense against Christy Lynn Trimbath’s Car Accident Lawsuit. The City denied most of the allegations, including the claim of negligent operation of the vehicle and the resulting injuries and damages. They asserted a lack of knowledge on several points, including whether Trimbath complied with statutory notice requirements.

In their affirmative defenses, the City alleged that Trimbath was negligent, which either solely or partially caused her damages. They claimed that the City could not have reasonably foreseen any damages. The defense argued that Trimbath failed to mitigate her damages and might not have used an available seatbelt, which could have contributed to her injuries.

The City contended that Trimbath’s injuries might not have met the threshold requirements for motor vehicle accidents under Florida law. They also argued that the City’s actions did not cause the alleged damages. The defense claimed that Trimbath’s injuries could have resulted from pre-existing or unrelated medical conditions.

Furthermore, the City invoked the limitation of liability under Florida Statute § 768.28 and raised the possibility of third-party liability. They alleged that Trimbath might not have fully complied with the notice provisions of F.S. § 768.28 and claimed protection under the doctrine of sovereign immunity.

Jury Verdict

On August 16, 2024, a Palm Beach County jury awarded Christy Lynn Trimbath a total of $5,647,314 in damages in a Car Accident Lawsuit.

Breakdown of the Damages:

  • Past Medical Expenses: $332,314
  • Future Medical Expenses: $235,000
  • Past Lost Earnings: $270,000
  • Future Loss of Earning Capacity: $410,000
  • Past Non-Economic Damages:
    • Pain and Suffering, Disability, Physical Impairment, Disfigurement, Mental Anguish, Inconvenience, Aggravation of Disease or Physical Defect, and Loss of Capacity for the Enjoyment of Life: $1,500,000
  • Future Non-Economic Damages:
    • Pain and Suffering, Disability, Physical Impairment, Disfigurement, Mental Anguish, Inconvenience, Aggravation of Disease or Physical Defect, and Loss of Capacity for the Enjoyment of Life: $2,900,000

Court Documents:

Available Upon Request