New Port Richey Jury Awards Partial Damages in Rear-End Collision

On January 19, 1994, a vehicle operated by the defendant collided with the rear-end of the plaintiff’s vehicle at the intersection of Massachusetts and Little Road in New Port Richey. The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit alleging injuries resulting from the incident. A separate loss of consortium claim was also filed by a second plaintiff. The defendant admitted negligence for causing the accident.

The case proceeded to trial where expert witnesses testified for both sides, including professionals in oral and maxillofacial surgery, chiropractic, radiology, neurology, biomechanical engineering, and psychiatry. The jury awarded the plaintiff damages for medical expenses, which were subject to a collateral source set-off. Additionally, the jury awarded damages for pain and suffering in an amount suggested by the defendant’s counsel.

However, the jury did not award future medical expenses as requested by the plaintiff. The jury also found in favor of the defendants regarding the loss of consortium claim. Due to the jury’s finding that the plaintiff had sustained a permanent injury, the final judgment was increased by $250.