Goldberg Segalla’s Robert M. Hanlon Jr. recently achieved a favorable result after being parachuted in as lead trial counsel to represent a multi-national company and its employee in a trucking case that proceeded to trial this month in Bronx County, New York. 

The accident involved a rear-end impact by a tractor-trailer and a liability judgment had previously been entered against our clients. The plaintiff, a 49-year-old male, initially underwent arthroscopic knee surgery and later required a complete knee replacement.  The primary issue, which was addressed by medical doctors as well as accident reconstruction and biomechanics experts, was the disputed causal connection between that injury and the accident.

The plaintiff sought to recover $2.6 million for economic losses plus damages for pain and suffering. Since he had steadfastly maintained his settlement position since mediation, it appeared that the case would have to be tried to verdict and, less than one month before trial, Mr. Hanlon was retained to serve as lead trial counsel. 

The plaintiff’s settlement position changed dramatically during the ensuing weeks and the case settled after jury selection for just 20 percent of what the plaintiff’s demand had been when Goldberg Segalla was retained.