Florida Auto Negligence Lawsuit Results in $5M Verdict For Medical Expenses and Suffering

Shacahri Parks-Coleman v. Geico General Insurance Company, et al.

Case Background

On April 11, 2022, Shacahri Parks-Coleman filed a personal injury lawsuit against K’elly Thompson and William Thompson, alleging auto negligence. The case was heard in the Florida State, Duval County, Fourth Circuit Court, with Judge Bruce R. Anderson Jr. presiding. [Case number: 2022-CA-001997]

Cause

Plaintiff Shacahri Parks-Coleman was a resident of Duval County, Florida. At all relevant times, Defendant Geico General Insurance Company was a foreign-profit corporation conducting business in Florida, including soliciting and selling motor vehicle insurance policies. The Plaintiff was insured with them.

Defendants K’elly Thompson and William Thompson were residents of St. Johns County, Florida. On or around January 6, 2022, Defendant William Thompson owned a motor vehicle that was driven with his permission by Defendant K’elly Thompson on Dunn Avenue near the intersection with New Kings Road in Duval County, Florida. At that location, Defendant K’elly Thompson negligently operated the vehicle, resulting in a collision with Plaintiff Shacahri Parks-Coleman’s vehicle.

Injury

The collision and Defendant’s negligence caused Plaintiff Shacahri Parks-Coleman to suffer severe and lasting injuries. These injuries included a permanent loss of a crucial bodily function, significant pain and suffering, lasting disability, disfigurement, and mental anguish.

Damages

As a result of the collision, Plaintiff experienced a diminished quality of life, incurred substantial medical expenses, and faced a loss of earnings. The collision also aggravated a pre-existing condition.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal Representation

• Plaintiff(s): Shacahri Parks-Coleman
  • Counsel for Plaintiff(s): Jeffrey Michael Byrd | Eric Steven Block | Dustin Eric Middleton
  • Experts for Plaintiff(s): Mark Frisk, M.D. | Jocelyn D. Holt, OTR/L CLCP 

• Defendant(s):  K’elly Thompson | William Thompson | Defendant Geico General Insurance Company
  • Counsel for Defendant(s): Garth T Cheek | Juan Arrubla | David M. Drahos
  • Experts for Defendant(s): Eric Pfeiffer, M.D. | Eric M. Gabriel, MD 

Claims

Plaintiff alleged that K’elly and William Thompson’s negligence caused the collision and resulting damages. Prior to January 6, 2022, Plaintiff had an insurance policy with Geico General Insurance Company that included uninsured motorist coverage. Thus, Geico General Insurance Company had to pay damages because of the permanent injuries sustained.

Defense

Defendants argued that Plaintiff had access to a fully operational seatbelt, which, if used properly, could have reduced or prevented the damages. They claimed Plaintiff’s failure to use the seatbelt was negligent and warranted a reduction in damages. Additionally, Defendants contended that Plaintiff’s injuries did not meet the threshold for damages under the Florida No-Fault Act and that Plaintiff’s own negligence was a significant factor in the damages.

Expert Testimony

Dr. Mark Frisk, a board-certified radiologist, was set to provide testimony on prognosis, diagnosis, causation, and permanent injury or impairment.

Jocelyn D. Holt, a Certified Life Care Planner, and Rehabilitation Counselor, was set to discuss how the Plaintiff’s injuries impacted their life and the financial consequences of the crash. Additionally, Holt would address the anticipated costs of treating the Plaintiff’s condition and related damages.

Dr. Eric Pfeiffer, also a board-certified radiologist, would testify about his review of all radiologic studies, including films, MRIs, CT scans, and other diagnostic tests. He would explain the nature, definition, and causes of the findings from these studies.

Dr. Eric M. Gabriel, a board-certified neurosurgeon, was scheduled to testify about his examination of the Plaintiff’s entire spine and related issues, including problems with the extremities. Dr. Gabriel would also cover his review of the Plaintiff’s medical records, pre-existing conditions, future care needs, any restrictions, and the causation of injuries. Additionally, he would assess the reasonableness of medical care and treatment, the necessity for future medical treatment, and evaluate medical bills. He would also address Plaintiff’s ability to perform daily activities and work.

Jury Verdict

On September 13, 2024, the jury determined that K’elly Thompson’s negligence caused the damages suffered by Shacahri Parks-Coleman. The jury awarded total damages amounting to $5,004,426.10, broken down as follows:

• Past medical expenses: $29,988.10
• Future medical expenses: $324,849.00
• Past non-economic damages: $264,114.00
• Future non-economic damages: $4,385,475.00

Court Documents:

Available upon request