Jonathan Irwin successfully defended a lawsuit resulting from a rear-end collision. Mr. Irwin's client had admitted negligence, having struck the plaintiff's vehicle while travelling at approximately 50 mph. Plaintiff claimed an injury to his left knee which required 3 knee surgeries and a partial knee replacement, as well as back injuries; his medical bills totalled $123,000.
At trial, plaintiff's knee surgeon testified that the knee surgeries were a direct result of injury caused during this accident. However, plaintiff did not complain of knee pain until 3 months after the accident, and specifically did not complain of knee pain to the doctor he saw immediately following the accident. Mr. Irwin presented that doctor, who confirmed that plaintiff had no complaints of knee pain. Mr. Irwin also presented a specialist in knee injuries to dispute causation.
Prior to trial, Mr. Irwin offered $10,000 to settle the matter. Plaintiff asked the jury for $200,000 at trial, and Mr. Irwin suggested $15,000, based on the admitted negligence. The jury deliberated for 45 minutes and awarded the plaintiff $10,824.
