Ocala, Florida Jury Awards $520,000 in Rear-End Collision

In February 2012, a plaintiff's vehicle was struck from behind by a commercial van owned by a defendant corporation and driven by a defendant employee on CR 484 in Ocala, Florida. The impact caused the plaintiff's car to then strike a third vehicle. The plaintiff, aged 37 at the time and wearing a seatbelt, was transported to a hospital by ambulance.

The plaintiff alleged the defendant corporation was negligent in maintaining its van and that the defendant driver failed to maintain a safe distance and speed, and failed to pay attention to traffic. The plaintiff's doctors testified that the collision caused injuries to her right knee, lumbar disc bulges, and aggravation of prior neck and right shoulder injuries. Diagnoses included tears to the right shoulder's labrum and rotator cuff, and a torn meniscus in the right knee. The plaintiff subsequently underwent surgeries for both her right shoulder and knee. Additionally, the plaintiff claimed a permanent traumatic brain injury, characterized by memory loss, headaches, and stuttering, resulted from the collision.

The defendants stipulated to negligence in causing the collision but disputed the plaintiff sustained any permanent injuries, including a permanent brain injury, as a result of this specific accident. Evidence presented included the plaintiff's prior work-related injury in 2008, which involved her right shoulder and neck.

The jury found that the plaintiff sustained a permanent injury as a direct result of the collision. They awarded the plaintiff $520,000 in damages. Post-trial motions in the case are pending.