Mock Trial Aids Trial Team In Evaluating Settlement Position

May 3, 2017

A school bus fully loaded with passengers rear-ended an SUV, allegedly causing the SUV driver, a woman in her 50s, to undergo cervical and lumbar spine fusions. She also claimed that she could no longer work. Her settlement demand was $15 million. Patton & Ryan pursued all aspects of discovery and then proceeded with a full day, mock trial to obtain quantifiable data relating to the strengths and weaknesses of each party’s position as well as a profile of the type of juror who might favor the defense albeit a rear-end accident. The firm also assembled a team of liability and damages experts. Through such preparation, aggressive motion practice, and pre-trial discovery, the suit settled for a fraction of the demand, and within 9 months after the demand was made.