What This Case Means for Injury Victims in Florida
Attorney: Craig Richards
Brooks, LeBoeuf, Foster, Gwartney & Hobbs, P.A.
Overview
Attorney Craig Richards recently secured a $5,220,999.11 jury verdict in a slip-and-fall case tried in Collier County, one of Florida’s more conservative venues for personal injury cases.
Our client, a respected non-invasive cardiologist, suffered a significant left-knee injury requiring surgery after a fall at a commercial property. Despite clear medical documentation and long-term effects, the insurance company repeatedly minimized the injury and refused to offer fair compensation.
Their initial offer was $125,000, followed by a $1.1 million pre-trial offer. After presenting the full impact of the injury, the jury returned a verdict reflecting the true extent of our client’s losses.
No time to read? Here is our quick recap:
A cardiologist suffered a severe knee injury in a slip-and-fall. The insurance company undervalued the injury, offering $125k, then $1.1M. Attorney Craig Richards tried the case in conservative Collier County and secured a $5.22 million verdict, reaffirming that serious injuries deserve serious accountability under Florida law.
Key Case Facts
- Case Type: Slip-and-Fall / Premises Liability
- County: Collier County, Florida
- Injury: Left knee, surgery required
- Plaintiff: Non-invasive cardiologist
- Initial Offer: $125,000
- Pre-Trial Offer: $1,100,000
- Final Verdict: $5,220,999.11
- Attorney: Craig Richards
- Law Firm: Brooks, LeBoeuf, Foster, Gwartney & Hobbs, P.A.
Case Background
Our client’s fall resulted in structural damage to his knee, ongoing pain, loss of mobility, and long-term limitations affecting both daily life and work. Although the injury required surgery and had clear professional and personal repercussions, the insurance company categorized it as a “minor” injury.
This assumption is common in slip-and-fall cases, where insurers often undervalue knee, shoulder, and back injuries. In this case, they severely underestimated the long-term impact on a medical professional whose ability to stand, walk, and maintain physical stability was essential to his career.
The Insurance Company’s Position
Despite extensive evidence, the insurance company maintained that the injury was “just a knee” and made settlement offers that did not reflect the seriousness of the harm or its lasting consequences.
Their Offers:
- $125,000 early offer
- $1.1 million pre-trial offer
Both were insufficient to account for medical costs, professional limitations, future care, and long-term pain and impairment.
Taking the Case to Trial
Because the offers did not reflect the true value of the injury, Attorney Craig Richards prepared the case for trial, an essential step that many injury victims never experience because cases often settle early.
Our trial preparation included:
- Expert medical testimony
- Evidence of long-term physical limitations
- Analysis of professional impact and lost earning capacity
- Documentation of pain, suffering, and lifestyle changes
- Future medical needs and care projections
Even in a traditionally conservative venue, clear evidence and strong trial advocacy led the jury to understand the full scope of the injury’s impact.
The Verdict: $5,220,999.11
After hearing the full case, the jury returned a verdict more than four times larger than the final offer made by the insurance company. The verdict reflected both economic and non-economic damages and recognized the substantial effect the injury had on our client’s life and career.
This result underscores two important truths:
- There is no such thing as a “minor” injury when it disrupts someone’s future.
- Trial preparation and courtroom experience can significantly change the outcome of a case.
Why This Verdict Matters for Florida Injury Victims
1. Knee injuries are often more serious than insurers claim.
Surgery, chronic pain, mobility restrictions, and long-term disability all increase the value of these cases.
2. Trial lawyers make a difference.
Not every attorney regularly tries cases. Those who do can obtain significantly better results when insurers refuse to negotiate fairly.
3. Economic damages matter, especially for professionals.
For individuals whose careers depend on physical capability, injuries can affect decades of future income and quality of life.
Understanding Slip-and-Fall Claims in Florida
Under Florida’s premises liability laws, property owners must maintain reasonably safe conditions and warn visitors about potential hazards. When they fail to do so, they may be held responsible for injuries that occur on their property.
Compensation in these cases may include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Future medical care
- Permanent impairment
This case demonstrates how these damages can add up significantly when the injury has long-term consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are knee injuries considered serious under Florida law?
Yes. Knee injuries can lead to chronic pain, limited mobility, future surgeries, and permanent impairment, all of which are compensable.
Can slip-and-fall cases result in high-value verdicts?
Absolutely. When injuries impact a person’s career, health, or quality of life, verdicts can reach into the millions.
Does venue matter in personal injury cases?
It can, but this case shows that strong evidence can overcome assumptions about conservative counties.
Why do insurance companies undervalue fall injuries?
They often assume juries won’t award significant compensation for knee or soft tissue injuries, even when the long-term effects are serious.
About Our Firm
For over three decades, Brooks, LeBoeuf, Foster, Gwartney & Hobbs has helped injury victims throughout Florida obtain the justice and compensation they deserve. We treat every client with compassion, prepare every case thoroughly, and stand ready to go to trial when necessary.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a slip-and-fall or due to unsafe property conditions, we’re here to help.
Learn more at: toomuchatstake.com
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