Swift Currie Secures Defense Win in High-Stakes Injury Trial, Jury Awards Fraction of Plaintiff’s Demand

A recent trial in Gwinnett County centered on a disputed collision involving a big loader and a concrete truck at a waste facility site. The plaintiff, who was serving as a trainer for the truck’s driver, alleged a big loader negligently collided with his truck. The defense argued that the plaintiff told the driver to go the wrong direction, thereby violating the right of way of the big loader.

The plaintiff claimed personal injuries, including back surgery, and sought medical bills over $200,000 and loss of future earning capacity damages over $1 million. During closing arguments, plaintiff’s counsel requested $1.75 million in total damages.

After a week-long trial, the jury returned a verdict awarding the plaintiff $175,000 — far below the requested amount — and further assigned 25% of the fault to the plaintiff. This verdict activated a pre-trial Offer of Settlement, providing a strategic win for the defense team. Swift Currie attorneys Melissa Segel and Kelly Chartash successfully defended the case, achieving a highly favorable outcome for their client.

Plaintiff filed a motion for new trial, which remains pending.