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Article: What jurors think about connective tissue injuries.
- Article from:
- Trial
- Article date:
- July 1, 2000
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2000 American Association for Justice, formerly Association of Trial Lawyers of America (ATLA®). This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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A new study of juror attitudes about `whiplash' reveals biases that may harm plaintiffs. With the right evidence, attorneys can prove clients' cases.
In a recent Delaware trial, a jury decided the claims of a family who suffered connective tissue injuries. Their van had been hit broadside by a young man who failed to stop at a stop sign. He admitted liability; the jury's task was to decide on damages.
Medical testimony confirmed that the plaintiffs suffered permanent facial scarring and neck and shoulder injuries. Yet the jury's damage award was so low that the judge granted an additur motion to increase it. Like other juries today, this one seemed ...