Gainesville Jury Awards $100,000 in Rear-End Collision

In October 2011, a vehicle operated by the plaintiff was stopped at a traffic light in Gainesville, Florida, when it was struck from behind by a cargo van. The van was owned by a coffee company and driven by one of its employees, both named as defendants in the subsequent lawsuit. The defendants stipulated to negligence in causing the collision but disputed the extent and causation of the plaintiff's claimed injuries.

The plaintiff sought medical treatment two days after the accident for injuries to the right arm and shoulder. A physical rehabilitation expert testified that MRIs and nerve conduction studies revealed bone bruising, AC joint damage, partial rotator cuff and tendon tears, ulnar nerve thickening, and abnormal nerve signal strength in the plaintiff's right shoulder and elbow. The plaintiff's doctor opined that these injuries were caused by the collision. Treatment included corticosteroid injections and right shoulder surgery. The plaintiff reported ongoing pain and restricted use of the right arm.

The defense contended that the plaintiff's condition stemmed from pre-existing issues related to overuse and repetitive movements. They argued that the accident either did not cause the plaintiff's condition or only temporarily exacerbated it. A jury ultimately found that the plaintiff did not sustain a permanent injury as a result of the accident. The jury awarded the plaintiff $100,000 in damages, comprising $72,000 for past medical expenses and $28,000 for past lost wages. Post-trial motions from both sides were pending.