Jury returns no-cause verdict, dismissing $1.4M injury claims in auto insurance case.
In a recent trial before a Macomb County jury, Zausmer secured a significant no-cause verdict on behalf of Auto-Owners Insurance Company. Led by shareholder Jim Wright, the trial team successfully navigated a complex case involving serious claims for damages and multifaceted legal issues. The plaintiff sought $1.4 million for injuries allegedly resulting from a motor vehicle accident, including claims for uninsured/underinsured motorist benefits and personal injury protection (PIP).
The plaintiff presented a case involving two cervical fusions—substantial surgical interventions—and claimed that the accident caused severe, ongoing neck and shoulder injuries. However, the trial revealed that several critical factors undermined the plaintiff’s case. Zausmer’s team demonstrated that the plaintiff had an extensive pre-accident medical history of neck and back complaints, some requiring surgery and consistent treatment spanning nearly two decades. Additionally, evidence presented at trial established that a subsequent fall at work after the accident, rather than the collision itself, was the likely cause of the plaintiff’s injuries.
A further point of contention was the plaintiff’s claim that the other vehicle involved in the accident was uninsured. Zausmer’s team successfully argued otherwise. The vehicle, identified through thorough investigation, was proven to have active insurance coverage at the time of the accident. This finding effectively nullified the plaintiff’s uninsured motorist claim.
Jim Wright emphasized that this outcome was a testament to a true team effort. Shareholder Adam Post played a critical role in presenting the legal arguments, while paralegal Marie Ault’s meticulous attention to the case’s factual complexities helped ensure that no detail was overlooked.
This victory highlights Zausmer’s unwavering commitment to achieving favorable results for its clients, even in cases involving significant claims and difficult factual narratives. The ability to cut through the complexity and present a compelling, evidence-based defense remains at the heart of our firm’s approach.
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