Coral Gables Jury Finds Negligence, Permanent Injury in Rear-End Crash

On June 12, 2001, a vehicle owned by defendant Diamond Cab and operated by its driver rear-ended the plaintiff's vehicle at the intersection of the 100 block of S. Dixie Highway and Ponce De Leon Boulevard in Coral Gables. The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit, alleging negligence and seeking damages for injuries sustained in the collision.

The defendant admitted liability for the collision the day before the trial began, which shifted the focus of the proceedings to the extent and permanence of the plaintiff's alleged injuries. Both the plaintiff and the defendant presented expert medical testimony from orthopedic surgeons, and the plaintiff also presented testimony from an internal medicine physician.

After deliberating, a jury found that the defendant's negligence was a legal cause of loss, injury, or damage to the plaintiff. The jury further concluded that the plaintiff sustained a permanent injury as a result of the accident. Prior to trial, the defendant had offered $10,000 to resolve the case, while the plaintiff had demanded $50,000.