Trial Magazine

Nathan Gross, 39, was stopped at a red light when a vehicle driven by Andrew Coley rear-ended his SUV at low speed. The impact crushed the cargo carrier on Gross’s trailer hitch. Gross suffered a herniated disk and an annular tear, necessitating spinal fusion surgeries. He continues to suffer pain and limitations, and he is a candidate for another fusion surgery. He had been an electrician earning $81,000 annually but is unable to work. His medical expenses exceeded $593,700.

Gross sued Coley and his wife, who co-owned the vehicle, alleging liability for the collision.

The jury awarded $5.7 million.

Citation: Gross v. Coley, No. 2022CA00192 (Fla. Cir. Ct. Escambia Cnty. Jan. 26, 2024).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ member J. Phillip Warren, AAJ member Stephanie A. Taylor, Keith W. Weidner, and Shelby Savage, all of Pensacola, Fla.