Elizabeth Evans and Dean Olson obtain jury defense verdict

Los Angeles attorneys Elizabeth Evans and Dean Olson obtained a jury defense verdict in Salazar v. Jobs on the Road on July 28.

The plaintiff sought $5 million for brain damage and severe orthopedic injuries following a fall from a semi-tractor owned by Evans and Olson’s client.

While the plaintiff presented credible past and future treatment plans and testimony from a neurologist, neuropsychologist, neurosurgeon, and orthopedic surgeon, Evans and Olson turned the case on the question of whether the plaintiff should have observed the dangerous condition of the semi-tractor.

“We retained a national team of highly credible liability and damage experts who provided excellent analysis and trial testimony,” Evans said. “Given the facts in this case, it was difficult to deflect the negligence claims, but we were able to prove that negligence was not a substantial factor in the cause of the injuries.”

The Los Angeles Superior Court jury agreed with Evans and Olson’s claims by returning a verdict that their client was negligent and presented a dangerous condition, but that the plaintiff should have observed the condition and avoided the fall that caused her injuries.

“This is a great outcome for the client despite challenging circumstances,” Olson said. “Elizabeth did a tremendous job with trial preparation and expert questioning, and we’re thrilled to deliver this result.”