Spurr v Meldrum

Court/Case No: St. Clair County Circuit Court

Tried/Argued Before: Jury

Demand: $175,000.00

Verdict: $0

Name of Judge(s): Honorable Cynthia Lane

Keys to the Case:

This was a third-party negligence case pertaining to a motor vehicle accident that occurred on August 14, 2018, wherein Plaintiff sustained significant injuries to his neck, back and shoulder, ultimately requiring surgical intervention and years of medical treatment.

Liability was highly contested, including a witness that supported Plaintiff’s version of how the accident happened. However, based on Defendant’s testimony coupled with admissions Plaintiff made at the scene of the accident, the jury unanimously (7-0) found for Defendant.

Following Plaintiff’s closing argument, where Plaintiff asked for six figures, the jury deliberated for mere minutes, returned to the courtroom and asked whether they could award Defendant’s legal fees against Plaintiff. A unanimous 7-0 no cause as to liability.

A motion for case evaluation sanctions was held on March 13, 2022. Judge Lane awarded Defendant roughly $30,000.00 in attorney fees.

Defense SW attorney(s) Involved in Case: