The car crash that left Cheryl Govea with life-long low back injuries was resolved by jury verdict concluding a 5-day trial in the new Duval County Courthouse on June 22nd. Cheryl was represented by partners Charles A. Sorenson and Howard C. Coker. The case was presided over by Circuit Judge Lawrence Haddock.
This particular verdict was special because it was the first civil trial to reach a verdict in
the new Duval County Courthouse, just four days after the official opening of the building.
“It was a true honor to have the first civil trial reach verdict in the new courthouse. We’re
very happy it was a successful trial with such a good outcome for Cheryl,” says Charles.
The final verdict was just over $680,000, with post-trial motions expected, including Motion for Plaintiffs’ Attorneys’ Fees. The defense admitted liability for the crash, but contested that it caused injury to Cheryl.
In December 2007 Cheryl was involved in a two-car crash when a car rear-ended the car in which she was a passenger. The car was being driven by her husband and was stopped at a red light when it was hit.
Cheryl suffers life-long health problems related to the accident. After comprehensive treatment
from a team of doctors it was determined she had suffered permanent low back injuries. Cheryl sustained two herniated discs with annular tears at both levels. These injuries required spinal
injections, as well as a recommendation for possible spinal fusion in the future.
The injuries have dramatically altered Cheryl’s life, as she is a mother of three young children. She’s had to come to terms with the fact that she simply can’t run and play with them anymore,
and has to rely on her husband for their day-to-day care.
Facing mounting and ongoing healthcare costs, the verdict has given her peace of mind. “The money – it doesn’t get rid of what I can and can’t do with my children, nothing will replace that, but this eases the worry I had about how to pay my medical bills in the future.”
Cheryl has high praise for the team at the firm, saying that she knows both Charles and Howard truly care for her family.
