MOTOR VEHICLE

PINELLAS CIRCUIT COURT

A jury awarded $87,594 to a 60-year-old plastic mold designer whose pickup truck was rear-ended by a driver who had no bodily injury liability insurance coverage.

David Woodward sought recovery from the uninsured-motorist provision of his policy with State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. He was diagnosed with herniated cervical and thoracic discs, which were treated by a chiropractor for several months. His doctors said Woodward also would require future neck surgery. Woodward also claimed his continuing pain would force him to retire six months earlier than planned.

Defense counsel maintained Woodward's injuries were the result of age-related, pre-existing conditions.

Case: David Woodward v. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance

Case No.: 17-006795-CI

Plaintiffs attorney: Kevin M. Cooper, Justin C. Johnson & Associates, St. Petersburg

Defense attorneys: Kristin Gonzalez and Troy J. McRitchie, Banker Lopez Gassler, St. Petersburg