TAMPA HUB – Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A. (QPWB) secured a resounding trial victory in a personal injury lawsuit stemming from a rear-end automobile accident. Despite an initial monetary demand of $4.6 million, the final jury award amounted to only $40,000—a result expected to be further reduced due to applicable health insurance offsets.
Overview of the Case
This case arose from a rear-end motor vehicle accident involving moderate property damage. The Plaintiff, a military veteran, alleged serious and ongoing injuries to the neck and back, asserting the need for extensive and long-term medical care.
Liability was admitted by the defense, focusing the trial entirely on the issues of causation and damages. The plaintiff presented $230,000 in past medical bills, including numerous pain management procedures, and projected $1 million in future medical expenses. Additionally, the Plaintiff sought $400,000 for past “pain and suffering” and $3 million in future “pain and suffering” damages.
Despite the emotional weight of the claims, QPWB successfully neutralized the most significant aspects of the Plaintiff’s case.
Key Difference-Makers
- Drew Lewis – Tampa Partner & First Chair at Trial
- Michael Fasano – Managing Partner of Naples Hub & Second Chair at Trial
- Andrew Westphal – Tampa Associate
Administrative Support:
- Dinah Bishop – Paralegal
- Telisha Thompson – Legal Assistant
- Deneen Kerrigan – Legal Assistant
Claims Made Against Our Client
- The Plaintiff alleged neck and back injuries requiring extensive medical treatment.
- Claimed $230,000 in past medical expenses.
- Requested $1 million in future medical costs and $3.4 million in non-economic damages.
- Argued for long-term pain and suffering and permanent impairment due to the crash.
Defense Strategy
QPWB remained focused on presenting a clear, medically supported narrative that challenged both causation and the necessity of the Plaintiff’s treatment. The defense conceded liability early in the case, strategically narrowing the trial to the contested issues of damages and medical relevance.
At the heart of the defense was a methodical effort to dismantle the Plaintiff’s claims of long-term injury and inflated future medical expenses. We argued that the initial conservative chiropractic care was all that was related and warranted. Through expert cross-examination and effective courtroom presentation, QPWB demonstrated that the Plaintiff’s subsequent high-cost pain management treatments and projected $1 million in future care were medically unnecessary and unrelated to the accident.
By emphasizing factual inconsistencies and relying on expert analysis rather than emotion, the defense succeeded in persuading the jury to reduce the total damages from $4.6 million to only $40,000—an outcome that closely aligned with the defense’s assessment and demonstrated the effectiveness of their trial strategy.
Impact on Final Outcome
The jury ultimately awarded only $40,000 in damages—an outcome expected to be further reduced due to health insurance offsets. This represents a near-total rejection of the Plaintiff’s original $4.6 million demand.
The result saved the client from significant financial exposure and affirmed QPWB’s strength in trial litigation and damage containment in high-stakes personal & auto liability matters.
Predicting the Future
This outcome highlights QPWB’s reputation for excellence in courtroom litigation, particularly in cases involving large damage demands and emotionally charged narratives. Clients can trust that even the most complex and high-exposure claims will be met with preparation, precision, and unwavering advocacy.
Key Actions in This Case
- Conceded liability early to focus the jury solely on causation and damages.
- Disputed medical necessity of treatment beyond initial care.
- Presented a clear and credible damages theory, grounded in medical evidence.
About QPWB
Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A. is the largest minority and women-owned law firm in the United States. With 49 offices nationwide and over 100 areas of practice, QPWB delivers trusted litigation, regulatory, and corporate legal services across a wide range of industries.