Defense Wins!
Tuesday, December 14, 2021
Section: Fall 2021




Betts Patterson & Mines, P.S.
 
Shawna Lydon and Nicole Brodie Jackson of Betts Patterson & Mines, P.S., and Heidi Hankins and Tiffany Owens, Allstate Staff Counsel, recently prevailed at trial in King County Superior Court in an alleged traumatic brain injury case against attorneys Edward K. Le and Michael Kittleson.

The case involved a motor vehicle accident in which the defendant admitted to rear-ending the plaintiff’s vehicle while both parties were attempting to make a right turn at a red light. Plaintiff alleged that he suffered a traumatic brain injury in the collision. However, the defense disputed the nature and extent of the plaintiff’s injuries and damages related to the collision.

Prior to trial, the plaintiff was offered $300,000 in policy limits to resolve the case.  An Offer of Judgment for $300,000 was also filed and rejected. Mr. Le then proposed that defendant enter an Agreed Judgment of $1,300,000 and Assignment of Claims in exchange for a Covenant Not to Execute. The defendant declined that proposal.

At trial, defense counsel successfully obtained a Direct Verdict on the plaintiff’s past and future medical special damages.

Ultimately, Mr. Le asked the jury to award $3,600,000 in general damages to plaintiff for his alleged pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. The jury came back with a verdict of $30,000.
 

 
Mix Sanders Thompson, PLLC

Mix Sanders Thompson: 3-0.  Three defense verdicts (jury trials) since August 31. 
 

Tyson & Mendes LLP / Bennett, Bigelow & Leedom

Elizabeth Leedom, Erin Seeberger, and Jonathan Litner of Bennett, Bigelow & Leedom and Bertha B. Fitzer and Jennifer Veal of Tyson & Mendes obtained a defense verdict in an orthopedic surgery case, Green v. Franciscan Medical Group. Read their article “Junk Science Defeated” to learn more.

On July 1, 2021, Bertha and Jen joined Tyson & Mendes LLP as partners in their Seattle Office and moved their physical offices to 950 Pacific Avenue, Suite 720, Tacoma, Washington.