TAMPA, FL – June 23, 2025

Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A. (QPWB) proudly reports a significant defense verdict secured by Orlando Partner Kevin Ross, on behalf of our client, in an automobile accident lawsuit recently tried in Tampa. Despite admitting liability for the collision, the QPWB team successfully convinced a jury to award only $34,000 to the Plaintiff, a stark contrast to the initial $5.85 million demand. The jury found no permanent injury, no future medicals, and no pain and suffering, culminating in an even greater financial victory for our client.

Overview of the Case

Our client, a popular restaurant franchise, faced a lawsuit alleging negligence in an automobile accident in Tampa, to which they admitted liability. Plaintiff's counsel sought $5.85 million in damages, primarily based on the Plaintiff's complaint of back pain and $250,000 in medical expenses following the accident.

Key Difference-Makers

• Kevin Ross – Partner, Orlando Hub
• Joseph Hawkins – Associate, Orlando Hub

Administrative Support:

• Sean Creen – Paralegal, Orlando Hub
• Ailen Casanella-Estevez – Case Manager, Orlando Hub

Claims Made Against Our Client

Plaintiff's counsel claimed our client was negligent and caused a serious motor vehicle collision. Their arguments focused entirely on establishing loss based on the Plaintiff's complaint of back pain and $250,000 in medical expenses. To support this, they presented testimony from four medical professionals, including a life care planner and pain medicine specialists.

Defense Strategy

Our strategy centered on demonstrating that no actual injury occurred as a result of the accident. Recognizing the inherent challenge of this admission, the defense team developed its storyline dynamically as the trial progressed. This involved utilizing a series of MRIs taken after the accident and employing medical professionals to interpret and explain the results, successfully discrediting the testimony of all four of the Plaintiff’s medical experts. The defense also strategically impeached the Plaintiff's credibility, allowing the jury to observe and assess their character, a tactic that proved instrumental in influencing the jury's perception.

Impact on Final Outcome

The defense’s adaptive trial strategy, refined after voir dire to resonate with the jury, combined with the successful discrediting of Plaintiff’s claims, directly led to the significantly reduced award of only $34,000. This included explicit findings of no permanent injury, no future medicals, and no pain and suffering, validating the defense's core argument.

Crucially, the $34,000 verdict was further reduced to a net judgment of $14,000 due to collateral source reductions. This outcome successfully beat the Plaintiff’s earlier proposal for settlement of $33,000, a pivotal factor that now exempts our client from liability for the Plaintiff’s post-offer fees and costs. Furthermore, our client is now positioned to seek recovery of over $150,000 in their own legal fees and costs, making this an unequivocal resounding success.

Unique Aspects of the Case

The most unique aspect of this case was QPWB’s ability to get the jury to focus on the fact that no injury occurred as a result of the accident. This involved effectively using MRI evidence and expert medical interpretation to present a clear alternative narrative to the jury.

Predicting the Future

This victory sends a powerful message, particularly to Plaintiff's firms who frequently litigate against QPWB clients. This verdict communicates that QPWB is ready to take cases to trial and can prevail even when liability is conceded. This result reinforces QPWB’s commitment to aggressively defending its clients and is expected to influence future legal proceedings in this area of practice.

Key Actions in This Case

• Admission of liability for the collision
• Strategic focus on proving no injury resulted from the incident
• Effective use of MRI evidence and medical experts to counter Plaintiff's claims
• Impeachment of Plaintiff's credibility during trial
• Dynamic adaptation of trial strategy based on jury insights from voir dire

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 49 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.