The defendant was being directed into a bay at an oil change shop. The defendant hit the accelerator instead of the brake and pinned the plaintiff oil technician up against the garage door.
The plaintiff sustained soft tissue injuries to his back and neck. MRIs were unremarkable. The plaintiff attended physical therapy and received epidural steroid injections into his neck and back. The plaintiff also underwent ablations in his neck.
The defendant’s only offer was $22,500. The plaintiff demanded $250,000 (the limit of the underlying auto policy), which expired the first day of trial.
While the defendant was on the stand at trial he, for the first time, made the argument that there was a defect in his car which caused it to “suddenly accelerate.” Judge Timothy Connors issued a curative instruction directing the jury to disregard the testimony and not to consider the fault of any person or entity other than the named parties.
During jury deliberations, the jury asked questions about damages available and ultimately asked for a calculator. At that time, it was put on the record that the plaintiff’s demand was $1,250,000 (total available coverage including umbrella) and that it would expire when the jury came back with a verdict.
Tyler Joseph, counsel for the plaintiff, provided case information.
Type of action: Third-party no-fault
Injuries alleged: Soft tissue injuries to neck and back
Name of case: Alex Hammoud v. Steven Paul Endres
Court/Case no./Date: Washtenaw County Circuit Court; 21-000553-NI; 03/21/2024
Tried before: Jury
Name of judge: Hon. Timothy Connors
Demand: $250,000
Highest offer: $22,500
Case evaluation: $15,000
Verdict amount: $4,483,084.31
Insurance carrier: State Farm
Attorneys for plaintiff: Jon Marko and Tyler Joseph, Detroit
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