The trial: Bronson v. Foley
The attorney: Nick Rowley
Case summary: Cheryl Bronson suffered multiple fractures and a damaged knee when her car was struck by a drunk driver in 2015. Attorneys for the defendant admitted liability, leaving trial only on the issue of damages.
Synopsis: Rowley begins by emphasizing Bronson's 27.5-year life expectancy, posting the number on a video screen and further breaking that number down into the hours she is expected to live. He notes that her pain will run across all of those hours, across "every step" of her life. He then takes jurors through an average person's life, detailing stages from childhood through the "golden years." Along the way, Rowley highlights Bronson's pre-crash activities: volunteering at the Olympics, "helping Iowans," and more. He contrasts those activities with Bronson's post-crash life and notes the leg injury will rob her of her enjoyment of her "golden years."
Throughout, Rowley discusses his own life. Rowley paints a picture of a hypothetical "man in a dark suit," that offers Bronson millions of dollars in exchange for the leg injury she suffered. Rowley said she would decline the offer outright. In rejecting this hypothetical offer, Rowley focuses on "Iowa values," including what he argues are personal independence and the strong family principles of Iowans.
The verdict: $4 million, including $3.5 million in compensatory damages.
