Jurimatic: Verdicts and Settlements

Headwater Research LLC sued Samsung for patent infringement over mobile device technologies developed by Dr. Gregory Raleigh. Alleging misuse of proprietary innovations following a failed collaboration, Headwater claimed willful infringement of nine patents. Samsung denied all allegations and raised multiple defenses. After trial, the jury found no infringement of the ’976 Patent and awarded no damages. The verdict ended the case in Samsung’s favor.

A Florida jury found Tower Hill Prime Insurance Company not liable in a property damage dispute involving blasting vibrations. Homeowners Ileana Fernandez Adel and Khaled Adel alleged their insurer wrongfully denied coverage under an “all-risk” policy. The jury sided with the insurer, ruling that the damage was excluded under policy terms.

In a workplace harassment and privacy invasion lawsuit, Jane Doe and John Doe sued Eye for Optical, Inc. and owner Kenneth Chang after discovering a hidden camera in an employee restroom. The jury found the conduct egregious and awarded Jane Doe $300,000 in punitive damages—$200,000 against Chang and $100,000 against the company—highlighting the seriousness of the misconduct and its emotional toll on the plaintiffs.

Alfredo Molina sued Skyview Memorial Lawn over injuries from a 2021 motor vehicle incident on cemetery grounds. He alleged negligence in vehicle operation and property safety. The defendant denied all claims, citing plaintiff fault and other defenses. A Fresno jury ultimately awarded Molina $200,000 in past medical expenses. The verdict followed a lower outcome than a prior §998 settlement offer.

In a breach of contract case, the Insureds claimed that their property sustained wind and rain damage while covered under a valid policy. They alleged that the insurer failed to respond, pay, or deny coverage for over three months. The insurer denied liability, citing delayed reporting, lack of documentation, and exclusions like wear, tear, and pre-existing damage. The case centers on compliance with policy conditions and the insurer’s duty to investigate and pay covered claims.

In a personal injury case stemming from a 2017 rear-end crash in Orange County, Florida, a jury found that Benjamen Hill sustained a permanent injury and awarded him $1,097,898.55. The compensation covered extensive medical bills, lost earnings, and future expenses, with a minimal amount attributed to pain and suffering. The verdict held Dakota Storm Griffin liable, with Ginger Griffin named under vicarious liability.

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.