Congratulations to Thomas S. Ehrhardt and Jennifer D. Norris on Their Recent Trial Victory!
Crown Point, Indiana – Congratulations to Partner Thomas S. Ehrhardt and Associate Jennifer D. Norris who obtained a defense verdict after a four-day jury trial last week. The complex trucking case involved a rear-end semi collision that occurred in morning rush hour traffic. As a result of the collision, the plaintiff alleged neck and back injuries, as well as cognitive difficulties and filed suit against the driver. At the time of the collision—our insured—the full-service travel center was performing certain preventative maintenance and required Department of Transportation (DOT) inspections for tractor trailers. The last inspection and preventative maintenance on the tractor trailer driven by the defendant was performed eight days prior to the collision. After the plaintiff filed suit against the driver and transportation company, the transportation company filed a third-party complaint against our insured for indemnification and contribution under the contractual agreement. Prior to trial, the defendants collectively offered $200,000 to resolve the plaintiff’s claims, but the offer was rejected. At trial, the plaintiff alleged $2,200,000 million dollars in economic damages (medical expenses and past and future lost wages) and asked the jury to award $11,000,000 million in past and future pain and suffering. After deliberating for one hour, the jury returned a defense verdict.
