The trial: Monroe v. Lane's Equipment Rental, et al.
The attorney: Pete Law
Case summary: Donald Monroe was struck by a pickup truck that swerved to avoid a tractor-trailer that had pulled into the highway. Monroe lost his left leg below the knee because of the accident and suffered long-standing hip injuries. Monroe contends the tractor-trailer's driver was negligent in pulling into the highway.
Synopsis: Law begins by making a joke about how quickly he talks, an issue he has raised several times, and which helps him strengthen his connection with the jury. In detailing the fallout from Monroe's injuries, Law uses a celebrity's salary comparison, noting how much baseball star Mike Trout makes, as opposed to what Monroe will have to endure for the accident. Law also specifically urges jurors to counter any dissenters who may seek to minimize the damage award during deliberations. Finally, Law tells jurors he has been characterized as a "big-city lawyer" but urges jurors in the rural circuit to award an amount he argues is fair regardless of the location.
The verdict: $21.6 million.
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