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Missouri Partner Secures Defense Verdict in St. Clair County, IL

St. Louis Partner Kevin P. Clark recently obtained a defense verdict at the St. Clair County Courthouse in Illinois on behalf of our client’s insured driver.

In May 2016, the Plaintiff was driving from Illinois to Missouri, and while stopped on the highway bridge, was struck by a vehicle driven by our client. Following the collision, Plaintiff claimed he suffered injuries that included permanent tremors to his left arm, injuries to his hip that required a total hip replacement and arm injuries that required cubital tunnel surgery. Plaintiff also presented testimony that he required an additional cubital tunnel surgery.

Subsequently, Plaintiff filed suit against our client and submitted medical bills of approximately $170,000, and claimed future damages of $35,000 per year in perpetuity. Plaintiff also claimed damages of pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of normal life and disfigurement. However, during the pendency of the suit, our client passed away and her Estate was substituted as the Defendant.

At trial, our client admitted negligence in causing the collision, but our attorney Kevin Clark contended that none of Plaintiff’s injuries were caused by the collision. Plaintiff underwent a general wellness exam three weeks prior to the collision showing no current health issues or pain in the injured areas from the collision. Kevin argued that the cause of Plaintiff’s injuries were either pre-existing or unknown. This evidence was established through the use of an expert witness, a well-respected orthopedic surgeon our attorney retained to examine Plaintiff.

In May 2022, the five-year-long case came to a close when the jury agreed with our attorney that the collision did not cause Plaintiff’s injuries, and returned a defense verdict for our client.

Kevin concentrates his practice on defending automobile and trucking matters, as well as insurance coverage, toxic torts and asbestos claims. He also handles employment law and class action cases. Kevin has extensive trial experience, trying numerous cases to favorable jury verdicts in both Missouri and Illinois courts.