On May 10, 2023, a Macoupin County jury returned a verdict in favor of Defendant. This case involved a minor rear-end accident, and the Plaintiff alleged post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of the accident. Plaintiff was not physically injured in the accident and did not seek medical treatment. Plaintiff’s claims were solely related to mental health and emotional distress. The multi-day trial was held before Judge April Troemper and involved testimony from several witnesses, including Plaintiff’s therapists, psychiatrist, and friends and family of Plaintiff. Defense conceded liability, but argued that this minor rear-end collision was not the proximate cause of Plaintiff’s PTSD and various mental health issues.
During closing arguments, Plaintiff requested $300,000 in damages. The jury deliberated for about an hour and a half before returning a complete defense verdict. The trial was first-chaired by James Craney.