IB Members in Action: Major Wins and Momentum Across the Country — Q2

At Injury Board, we’re proud to spotlight the exceptional work of our members, relentless advocates who are making a difference in both courtrooms and communities. This past quarter has delivered a wave of impactful verdicts, innovative trial strategies, and meaningful results for clients. Below are just a few standout moments recently shared within our IB discussion thread:

$7.6M Verdict Secured for Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivor in Minnesota

IB Member Mike Bryant of Bradshaw & Bryant, PLLC, along with Jeff Anderson and Josh Peck, secured a $7.6 million jury verdict on June 27 on behalf of a survivor of childhood sexual abuse in Olmsted County, Minnesota. The plaintiff, a former student at Lourdes High School, was abused by his principal, Father Joseph Cashman, between 1973 and 1976. The case, originally filed in 2016, was delayed due to the Diocese of Winona’s bankruptcy in 2018 and resumed in 2023 against US Fire, the one insurer that had not contributed to the survivors’ trust. Just before trial, the Diocese admitted liability, shifting the trial focus solely to damages. Despite the plaintiff’s limited treatment history, the jury rejected the defense’s argument and awarded $7 million for past pain and suffering, $500,000 for future pain and suffering, and $100,000 for future treatment. Congratulations to Mike Bryant and his team for their dedication and advocacy in securing long-awaited justice for their client.

$30M–$40M Class Action Verdict Against State Farm

A federal jury in Little Rock, Arkansas, awarded between $30–$40 million in a class action verdict led by Ed Normand and his team at Normand PLLC against State Farm for undervaluing First Party Total Loss vehicles. The jury found that State Farm used a hidden deduction and manipulated valuation data through its algorithm to shortchange Arkansas policyholders. The jury ruled in favor of the plaintiffs on all three questions presented, awarding 100% of the damages sought, plus statutory penalties, prejudgment interest, and attorneys’ fees. To Ed Normand and his co-counsel’s knowledge, this marks the first successful class action trial on this issue against any insurer. The legal team continues to pursue similar claims nationwide and is seeking additional plaintiffs in states with long statutes of limitation.

$2.75M Surgical Error Settlement

A $2.75 million settlement has been secured for a client in New Jersey who suffered severe internal injuries due to a preventable surgical error. The medical team’s failure to act on critical warning signs led to life-altering consequences for the patient. Represented by IB Members Don Grasso and the father-son team Patrick D’Arcy Sr. and Jr., the client received justice through steadfast advocacy and a commitment to accountability. This outcome reflects D’Arcy Johnson Day, P.C.‘s dedication to doing well by doing good, and standing up for those harmed by medical negligence.

$8.1M Medical Malpractice Verdict

In Obion County, Tennessee, IB Members Thomas Greer and Jodi Black of Greer Injury Lawyers, PLLC represented a diabetic man in his 50s who was left permanently paralyzed after a spinal infection was misdiagnosed and improperly treated. Despite clear warning signs, including shoulder pain, a draining abscess, and a headache, the primary care doctor failed to order labs or imaging. A pre-trial settlement was not offered. Instead, the defense argued that small-town doctors shouldn’t be held to the same standards as those in larger cities, but the jury disagreed. The verdict included $3 million in economic damages, $5 million in non-economic damages, and $100,000 in loss-of-consortium damages.

$745M Verdict: Landmark Environmental Win

IB member firm Cossich Sumich Parsiola & Taylor, LLC secured a historic $745 million environmental verdict, holding Chevron accountable for decades of coastal destruction in Louisiana. IB Member Phil Cossich, a lead member of the trial team, called it “a great win for our community” and a major step toward saving Louisiana’s disappearing coast. As the first of over 40 similar lawsuits, the case marks one of the largest environmental damage awards ever secured by a local government and is already being hailed as a potential catalyst for similar litigation nationwide.

$8M Verdict in Wrongful Death Medical Malpractice Case

Congratulations to Chris Nace at the newly formed Nace Law Group on securing an $8,000,000 verdict in a wrongful death medical malpractice case in Baltimore. The jury delivered justice for the family of the victim, recognizing the grave consequences of medical negligence. This victory is not only a powerful result for the clients but also a testament to Chris’s advocacy and dedication to accountability in healthcare.

Know a Win We Should Feature?

If you or your firm has a recent verdict, legal success, or community win to share, we want to hear about it! Please send your story to discussion@lists.injuryboard.com so we can celebrate it in our next Member Success update.

Together, we keep raising the bar—for each other, and for the clients and communities we serve.