Hinshaw Trial Team Secures $0 Defense Verdict in $15 Million Auto Accident Trial

Hinshaw attorneys Patrick Pumphrey and John Weedon secured a $0 defense verdict in a high-exposure auto accident personal injury case in which the plaintiff had sought more than $15 million in damages, including alleged traumatic brain injury (TBI) with asserted loss of smell and vision, as well as neck, back, and knee injuries.

After a multi-day trial, the jury found that while the defendant admitted contributory negligence for the accident, that negligence was not the legal cause of any loss, injury, or damage to the plaintiff. The verdict was returned on January 22, 2026, in the Sixth Judicial Circuit, Pinellas County, Florida. The result reflects our client’s decision, supported by their insurer, to try the case on the facts and medical evidence.

$0 Damages Awarded

In this case, liability was not disputed, but causation and damages were powerfully contested. The jury agreed with our team’s argument that the evidence did not establish any causal link between the accident and the plaintiff’s alleged injuries, including TBI with associated anosmia and vision changes, as well as cervical, lumbar, and knee conditions, and returned a complete defense verdict. At trial, the case turned on objective medical evidence and medical records from the time of the accident.

Significance

An admission of accident liability does not imply causation for alleged injuries. Plaintiffs must still prove the accident caused their injuries. The jury found the plaintiff did not meet their burden of proof and declined to award any damages. This outcome highlights the importance of litigating the facts and medical aspects of alleged injuries in personal injury cases.

The case is Seema Ure v. Carly Parsons, No. 23-008176-CI.