Trying a Case with 3 Witnesses
Mark Zamora, of A Georgia Lawyer, tells the story of Matt Flournoy who recently tried a case in Cobb County, Georgia. The lady broke her ankle in a car wreck and had $30,000 in meds. They didn’t call any doctors or introduce any medical bills. The plaintiff was a waitress at Shoney’s and with a broken ankle, it is difficult to be on your feet all day. Matt says:
We called only three witnesses to the stand: the police officer, the Defendant, and Melissa Milo, the Plaintiff.
We wanted to keep it simple. The jury appreciated that.
We did not ask for any lost wages ( about one year's worth ).
Melissa was a waitress at Shoney's at the time. It would have been difficult to prove her lost wages based on tips. We had no supporting evidence and We did not want to over reach.
A Cobb County Jury of 12 returned a verdict for $536,000 that was for Melissa Milo's pain and suffering damages only."
Matt focused in on what was truly important and pulled away all of the rest. That kind of focus can be difficult for lawyers who are taught to put in everything, including the kitchen sink. That’s a hard thing to do, to try a case without a doctor, but they were successful with that strategy.
David, thanks for the pub to our site here. Matt is a great one in trial and in all aspects in his practice. Easygoing demeanor with ethics above any reproach.
I'm letting Matt know the word is getting out!
