$750,000 Verdict in Motor Vehicle Accident

On June 6, 2006, attorneys John M. Dodig and Jason A. Daria obtained a $750,000 jury verdict on behalf of the Estate of a 67-year-old woman who died in a motor vehicle accident.

The case was tried in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas. Attorneys Dodig and Daria were confronted with the difficult task of asking a Philadelphia jury to award monetary damages to the Estate of an elderly individual who suffered no economic loss and who was survived by three adult beneficiaries. In addition, defense counsel argued that Plaintiffs’ decedent, Josephine Watson, died instantaneously from massive head injuries and therefore suffered no recoverable pain and suffering damages.

By putting on evidence from various family members, Plaintiffs were able to convince a jury to award the sum of $500,000 for the decedent’s loss of guidance and support. In addition, Dodig and Daria called a pathologist who testified that Josephine Watson was alive for at least six minutes in pain and suffering, which resulted in an award to the Estate of $250,000 for pain and suffering for a total of $750,000 in damages.