Our VerdictsMr. Stephen’s Jury Trial In DuPage County

Mr. Stephen’s defended Melissa Peterson in the lawsuit brought against her for personal injuries filed by Nathaniel Linhart. The case was tried from February 2 to February 4, 2015. The presiding judge was the Honorable Ken Popejoy. The lawsuit arose from an auto accident in which Ms. Peterson rear ended Mr. Linhart’s stopped car. Mr. Linhart alleged that as a result of the accident, he suffered a herniated disc at L5-S1 causing pain and numbness down his left leg together with an injury to his neck. The impact between the cars was considerable. Mr. Linhart’s physician, Dr. Charles Slack connected the injuries to the accident. He presented to the jury $11, 599.08 in medical expenses and a prognosis for future pain and suffering. Mr. Stephen retained Dr. Charles Hudgins and disputed the extent of Mr. Linhart’s injuries and their relationship to the accident. Mr. Linhart’s attorney asked the jury to award $159,300. Mr. Stephen persuaded the jury that the fair and reasonable compensation was much less based on the evidence. The jury returned an award of only $23,000.