CRUG Jury Trial:  Verdict Under Offer

Congratulations to Cleveland Partner Bev Adams on securing a positive trial result for Erie Insurance Company in a recent first-party claim in Cuyahoga County.

Case Summary

• The Claim: The 47-year-old plaintiff underwent two post-accident wrist surgeries, alleged the need for future wrist fusion, and asked the jury for $3 million to $6 million arguing that while he injured his wrist when he was 18, there were no prior medical records showing any complaints or treatment of his wrist, even though he was treating for other orthopedic issues.  Plaintiff had two separate experts to defend his position.
• The Defense: Bev successfully demonstrated that the injury was tied to extensive, pre-existing wrist conditions dating back to age 18. Her argument was backed by compelling defense expert testimony.
• The Outcome: The jury awarded $40,000, which was reduced to $35,000 net after a MedPay offset—a fraction of the demand and less than half of Erie’s pretrial offer.
  

  Beverly Adams