Florida Auto Negligence Case: Jury Awards $750k to Man Injured After A Loose Wheel Strikes His Truck

Bridges v. Schwerman Trucking

On March 28, 2024, the Florida jury returned the verdict in favor of Plaintiff Stephen Bridges and awarded him $750,000 in the present auto negligence and product liability lawsuit.

Case Background

On August 02, 2021, Stephen Bridges filed a product liability lawsuit before the Louisiana Western District Court. Judge Robert R Summerhays presided over this case. [Case number: 6:21-2268]

Cause

Stephen Bridges, aged 63 at the time, was traveling east on I-10 near Breaux Bridge, LA on September 1, 2020. He was behind the wheel of a heavy-duty Ford F-550 pick-up truck, overtaking a tractor-trailer operated by Luis Arroyo for Schwerman Trucking, insured by Old Republic Insurance.

During Bridges’ maneuver to pass, two tires suddenly detached from Arroyo’s truck. One of these tires collided with a concrete barrier between the eastbound and westbound lanes, then slid beneath Bridges’ truck, causing it to lift off the ground briefly. Bridges was jolted by the impact, resulting in minor damage to the undercarriage of his F-550, the only noticeable vehicle damage.

Despite the disruption, Bridges managed to regain control of his truck. He noticed Arroyo driving away and decided to pursue him. Bridges intercepted Arroyo and directed him off the interstate at Breaux Bridge, into a nearby parking area. Arroyo claimed he hadn’t fled the scene deliberately but had continued driving due to safety concerns amidst ongoing construction traffic at the location. Nevertheless, both Arroyo and Schwerman Trucking acknowledged their responsibility for the incident.

Injury

Due to the negligence of the Defendants, Plaintiff sustained injuries. Bridges, without any previous spinal issues, received a diagnosis of multi-level herniation spanning C4-7, with cord compression specifically at C4-5. Additionally, an MRI revealed disc herniations in the thoracic and lumbar regions. Doctors suggested a three-level disc fusion procedure from C4-7. Alongside these spinal concerns, Bridges reported experiencing a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), resulting in symptoms such as headaches, memory loss, brain fog, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.

Damages

As a result of the Defendant’s negligence to check their motor vehicle for any defects, Bridges suffered injuries and sought damages. These included compensation for future medical expenses and non-economic damages across various categories. Additionally, his wife, Amanda Bridges, filed a claim for loss of consortium.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal Representation

• Plaintiffs: Stephen Bridges | Amanda Bridges
  • Counsel for Plaintiffs: J. Derek Aswell
  • Experts for Plaintiffs: Todd Capielano | Denis Boudreaux

• Defendants: Schwerman Trucking Co. | Luis Arroyo
  • Counsel for Defendants: Jean E. Lavidalie
  • Experts for Defendants: Dr. Thomas Bertuccini | Dr. Archie Melcher

Claims

Plaintiff argued that due to the negligence of the Defendants in checking and ensuring the safety of the motor vehicle, he had suffered severe injuries. These injuries required surgery and medical treatment which caused the Plaintiff to incur medical expenses and damages.

Defense

Schwerman Trucking disputed the case, challenging the extent of the claimed injury and its medical causation. Initially, it pointed out that over three years had elapsed since the recommended surgery was proposed, yet it had not been completed

Expert Testimony

Bridges bolstered his case with the testimony of two damages experts, Todd Capielano, a Life Care Planner, and Denis Boudreaux, an Economist. They calculated his future medical expenses at $274,096.

In response, the defense presented its own expert witnesses. The first expert was neurosurgeon Dr. Thomas Bertuccini from Lafayette, who argued against the necessity of fusion surgery and criticized Bridges’ extensive chiropractic treatment. The second expert, Dr. Archie Melcher, a neurologist from Metairie, concluded that there was no objective evidence to support Bridges’ claim of sustaining a brain injury.

Jury Verdict

On March 28, 2024, after three hours of deliberation, the Florida jury ruled in favor of Plaintiff Bridges. They awarded him $175,000 for future medical expenses. Additionally, he received $145,000 for past suffering and $375,000 for future suffering. His disability and loss of enjoyment of life were compensated with $25,000. An additional $5,000 was awarded for scarring.

Bridges’ wife was also granted $25,000 for her consortium interest. In total, the verdict amounted to $750,000, with $575,000 designated for non-economic damages.

Court Documents:

Available upon request