MIAMI – QPWB Trial Partners Rebecca Aroca and Dexter Romanez secured a complete defense verdict and a $0.00 damage award following a jury trial in Miami-Dade County. Facing two plaintiffs seeking over $2 million in damages after three lumbar spine surgeries, the defense team tried the case without their client present, convincing the jury in just 66 minutes that the admitted rear-end collision was not the cause of the claimed injuries.
Overview of the Case
The litigation stemmed from a rear-end motor vehicle collision in Miami-Dade County. Prior to trial, the defense conceded liability for the accident, leaving causation and the extent of damages as the sole issues for the jury to decide. Facing severe medical claims and an empty defense chair, the team parachuted in shortly before trial to manage the presentation of evidence and cross-examinations.
Key Difference-Makers
Administrative Support
- Brittany Goran – Paralegal
Claims Made Against Our Client
Opposing counsel presented a heavy damages case centered on significant post-accident medical interventions for two plaintiffs in their 30s. One plaintiff underwent two lumbar spine surgeries following the collision, while the second plaintiff underwent a single lumbar spine surgery. Together, the plaintiffs presented evidence of approximately $530,000 in past medical bills and over $200,000 in projected future medical care, bringing boardable medical expenses alone to over $750,000.
In addition to medical bills, the plaintiffs sought substantial compensation for lost wages as well as past and future pain and suffering. By closing arguments, opposing counsel requested more than $2 million from the jury.
Defense Strategy
Partners Aroca and Romanez established a clear, disciplined posture from opening statements through closing arguments. While admitting responsibility for the rear-end accident itself, the defense team maintained that fault for an accident does not equal liability for every subsequent medical condition, treatment, or surgery claimed by a plaintiff.
Throughout the trial, opposing counsel repeatedly highlighted the absence of the defense client in the courtroom. Aroca and Romanez met this challenge directly, keeping the jury focused strictly on the medical evidence, pre-existing conditions, and the plaintiffs’ burden of proving proximate causation. Supported by expert testimony and detailed trial preparation, the defense systematically questioned the medical necessity and direct cause of the three lumbar procedures.
Impact on Final Outcome
The defense strategy completely persuaded the jury. Following closing arguments, the jury deliberated for just 66 minutes before returning a full defense verdict, awarding $0.00 in total damages and completely rejecting the $2 million demand.
Unique Aspects of the Case
Trying an admitted-liability rear-end collision without the client physically present in the courtroom presents an exceptionally formidable posture for defense counsel. Compounding that challenge was defending against major spinal surgery claims involving two plaintiffs in their 30s while actively countering opposing counsel’s deliberate attempts to turn the client’s absence into a focal point.
Predicting the Future
This outcome highlights QPWB’s ability to step into high-exposure trials on short notice and execute precise, evidence-based defense strategies. By maintaining focus on causation and accountability, QPWB continues to protect clients and carriers against inflated, unproven medical demands.
Key Actions in This Case
- Focused Trial Posture: Conceded liability for the collision while holding the plaintiffs strictly to their legal burden of proving medical causation.
- Overcame Absent-Client Posture: Successfully neutralized opposing counsel’s repeated empty-chair arguments by keeping the jury anchored to objective medical data.
- Rapid Jury Resolution: Dismantled a $2 million demand involving three spinal surgeries, resulting in a 66-minute jury deliberation and a total $0.00 defense verdict.
About QPWB
Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A. is one of the fastest growing law firms in the United States providing a different focus on what it means to provide responsive service to clients and team members. With a national presence of 60 offices and a comprehensive scope of over 130 practice areas, QPWB delivers legal representation in litigation, regulatory, and corporate matters to a diverse range of industries. This scope and rapid expansion has attracted unique legal talent from all different backgrounds and experiences which has made them the largest minority-owned law firm in the country.