The trial: Bronson v. Foley
The attorney: Nick Rowley
Tags: Iowa, California, Transportation, Closings, Damages-only, Soft-tissue/joint injury, Non-economic damages
Case summary: Cheryl Bronson suffered fractures and a damaged knee when her car was struck by a drunk driver in 2015. Attorneys for the defendant admitted liability, leaving only the issue of damages to consider at trial.
Synopsis: Rowley spends the lion's share of his opening introducing jurors to the concept of non-economic damages. His opening emphasizes time as a theme - both the time Bronson will live with this leg injury throughout her life, and the ever-increasing impact it will have as she grows older. Rowley contends that Bronson's leg injury has taken away her independence, a key part of her identity, so it affects her both physically and emotionally. This independence, he says, is a hallmark of Iowans, a theme Rowley will reference again heavily in closings.
The verdict: $4 million, including $3.5 million in compensatory damages.