PENSACOLA, Fla. (JUNE 20, 2022) — A jury in Escambia County Circuit Court awarded $802,000.00 in damages to a 52 year-old man who was left permanently disabled after being hit by a 36,000-pound garbage truck managed by the Escambia County Utilities Authority (ECUA).
The Accident
The client’s vehicle was hit from behind by an ECUA garbage truck. The clients’ car was totaled as well as causing significant physical trauma and injury to the client’s back. The wreck occurred when the ECUA driver operated his vehicle in a careless/negligent manner, causing the utility truck to slam into the client’s Ford Explorer; the impact caused considerable damage to all vehicles involved.
The Case
Zarzaur Law, P.A. brought suit on behalf of the client, arguing that ECUA’s negligent driver was the cause of his injuries. At the time of the trial, ECUA refused to offer anything more than $30,000.00, arguing that all of the client’s injuries were pre-existing and unrelated to the crash. Zarzaur Law, P.A. knew that the client had never experienced back pain before the wreck, and emphasized that fact to the jury. Counsel for ECUA argued that the injured party was “exaggerating” and paid an expert $11,000.00 to come into court and suggest that fact.
The Evidence And Testimony
The jury heard evidence and testimony about how the wreck had impacted the client, learned about the medical treatment the client received, and about the long lasting and permanent effects of his injuries. The day prior to the verdict, lawyers at Zarzaur Law asked ECUA counsel if they were interested in a settlement in the range of $75,000 to $99,000. ECUA counsel rejected any suggestion for continuing settlement discussions.
The Verdict
The jury, after hearing the evidence and after considering all of the defenses from ECUA and its lawyer, ruled in the plaintiff’s favor and awarded Zarzaur Law’s client $802,000. The $802,000.00 verdict included damages for past medical treatment, future medical treatment, pain and suffering in the past, and pain and suffering in the future. ECUA claims they will appeal.
“THERE IS NOTHING LIKE A JURY PUTTING AN OBSTINATE DEFENDANT IN THEIR PLACE,” SAID ATTORNEY JOE ZARZAUR.
“Every time a local jury holds a careless driver responsible, they make our community safer by deterring others from driving carelessly. This is especially true when they drive around 36,000-pound vehicles.”
It is always important to consult with a Board Certified Trial lawyer who has the knowledge and experience to help you. The team at Zarzaur Law, P.A. know accidents can be stressful and want to make the process as easy as possible. Call Zarzaur Law, P.A. today at (855) Hire-Joe or visit www.zarzaurlaw.com for more information.
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About Zarzaur Law, P.A.
Joe Zarzaur is a Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney whose firm is dedicated to promoting community safety since 2007. OUR AREAS OF PRACTICE: Serious Personal Injury, Product Defect, Auto Accidents, Cycling Accidents, Medical Malpractice, Motor Vehicle Accidents, Products Liability, Wrongful Death, Boat and Jet Ski Accidents, Slip and Fall Injuries, and more. Licensed in Alabama and Florida. www.zarzaurlaw.com