Orlando Jury Finds Officer Negligent but Awards No Damages
Table of Contents
Case Background
Brianna Becker had filed a lawsuit against the City of Orlando after a traffic collision that happened on November 7, 2020. She drove her 2017 Jeep eastbound through the intersection of State Road 50 (Colonial Drive) and Maguire Boulevard in Orlando at about 6:00 p.m. The City of Orlando owned a 2017 Ford vehicle, operated by Officer Devendra Persaud, who drove southbound on Maguire Boulevard at the same time. Officer Persaud entered the intersection against a red light, with only emergency lights activated but without the siren, resulting in a violent crash with Becker’s vehicle. Becker alleged that City of Orlando, as owner of the vehicle and employer of the officer, bore responsibility for the accident and her injuries.
Cause
Becker claimed that Officer Persaud had failed to activate his siren and entered the intersection at a high speed against the red traffic light, even as traffic on SR 50 held the right of way. She pointed out that her approach was obstructed and she couldn’t see the emergency lights. Becker emphasized that Persaud’s actions fell short of safe and prudent driving and violated statutory duties to slow down and exercise caution when crossing against a light.
Injury
Becker had suffered bodily injuries, including permanent aggravation of a pre-existing condition, disfigurement, disability, mental anguish, and a reduced ability to enjoy life. She also experienced loss of earnings, incurred medical and nursing care expenses, and claimed her injuries were permanent or continuing, requiring future medical needs.
Damages Sought
She sought damages exceeding $30,000, exclusive of costs and interest, for her pain, suffering, medical expenses, and reduced quality of life.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Legal Representation
Plaintiff(s): Brianna Becker
· Counsel for Plaintiff(s): Craig R. Lynd | Jeffrey S. Kaufman | Christopher H. Hunt | Kaufman Lynd PLLC
· Experts for Plaintiff(s): Joseph M. Zavatsky
Defendant(s): City Of Orlando
· Counsel for Defendant(s): Martha Lee Lombardy | Christian Tiblier | Michele Morales
· Experts for Defendant(s): Michael P. O'Neill
Key Arguments or Remarks by Counsel
Plaintiff’s legal team had strongly argued that Persaud disregarded safety by entering the intersection without a siren, at high speed, and with visibility obstructed for eastbound traffic. They maintained that Becker could not have reasonably avoided the collision given her inability to see Persaud’s emergency lights. Medical experts connected Becker’s physical and mental injuries with the intensity of the crash.
City of Orlando’s counsel had countered by arguing that Becker had not yielded to the police vehicle, suggesting her negligence was the sole or primary cause of the accident. The City maintained that Persaud’s emergency lights were on and insisted he operated the vehicle within duty, but pushed responsibility toward Becker. Additionally, the City referred to statutory caps on liability, rules about yielding to emergency vehicles, and contested the severity and permanency of Becker’s injuries.
Claims
Becker alleged vicarious liability against the City based on Officer Persaud’s alleged failure to use caution and activate the siren. The complaint claimed violation of statutory duties, unsafe operation, and direct causation of serious injury.
Defense
The City of Orlando disputed Becker’s version, stating her own driving was negligent and caused the collision. They denied that Persaud ran the light carelessly, argued that proper warnings were in use, and denied causation of the injuries described. The City raised affirmative defenses, including Plaintiff’s negligence, limits on municipal liability, and Becker’s duty to yield to emergency vehicles. The City also filed a counterclaim seeking a contribution from Becker for damages related to another lawsuit by a third party, asserting she pushed the city’s vehicle into other cars, causing broader harm.
Jury Verdict
The jury on 27th March 2025 determined that Officer Devendra Persaud, acting on behalf of the City of Orlando, was negligent and that his actions contributed to the accident involving Brianna Becker. However, despite finding negligence on the part of the officer, the jury did not award any damages to Becker. This means that even though some responsibility rested with the City through its employee, Becker did not receive any financial compensation as a result of the verdict.
The case illustrated the intricacies of accident law involving emergency vehicles and how shared fault can shape legal outcomes. The jury paid close attention to traffic laws, safety obligations for emergency personnel, and the real-life consequences on ordinary citizens. In the end, the legal system weighed Becker’s lasting injuries against her own actions in a busy intersection, delivering compensation that reflected shared responsibility, not a one-sided win.
Court Document