IB Members in Action: Major Wins and Momentum Across the Country – Q3 2025

At Injury Board, we are proud to spotlight the remarkable work of our members who continue to achieve justice for clients and make an impact in their communities. The past quarter has been marked by exceptional verdicts, creative legal strategies, and inspiring outcomes that reflect the shared purpose of the IB network — to make the world a better place, one case and one community at a time.

Here are some standout highlights from across the IB family:

$7.6 Million in Damages in Sexual Abuse Case

Mike Bryant of Bradshaw & Bryant secured a $7.6 million verdict in a case involving a survivor of sexual abuse by his high school principal, Father Joseph Cashman, between 1973 and 1976. Originally filed against the Diocese of Winona in 2016, the case was delayed by bankruptcy proceedings before Bryant and his team pursued US Fire, the remaining insurer. After years of perseverance, they prevailed on liability and damages — achieving long-awaited justice for the survivor.

$5 Million Medical Malpractice Settlement

Adrian Vega, Kathryn Sears, and Holly Gallegos of Buckingham & Vega obtained a $5 million settlement for a client who endured multiple unnecessary medical procedures, resulting in permanent injuries and a diminished quality of life. This result underscores the firm’s continued dedication to holding healthcare providers accountable and protecting patient rights throughout New Mexico.

$22.2 Million Trucking Verdict in Los Angeles

Paul Painter and Stephen Morrison of Bowen Painter earned a $22.2 million trucking verdict following a five-year battle that began in New Mexico and culminated in Los Angeles. The Georgia-based clients faced years of delay and turnover among prior firms before Painter and Morrison took over the case, rebuilt it from scratch, and proved liability and damages through meticulous trial work. After three weeks of testimony and three days of deliberation, the jury returned a powerful verdict for justice.

$8.9 Million Bad Faith Verdict Against State Farm

Fred Cunningham, Greg Yaffa, Matt Christ, and Halley Lewis of Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa secured an $8.9 million verdict in federal court in Key West, proving that State Farm acted in bad faith by refusing to settle a wrongful death claim for the $25,000 policy limit. Their victory sends a powerful message about corporate accountability and reinforces the firm’s reputation as leaders in bad faith litigation and consumer justice.

Ontario Court of Appeal Upholds Landmark Aviation Ruling

Paul Miller of Howie, Sacks & Henry won a historic appellate victory as the Ontario Court of Appeal upheld a ruling finding Ukraine International Airlines liable for the downing of Flight PS752, which killed 176 passengers in January 2020. The decision requires full compensation for victims’ families and sets a precedent for airline accountability in conflict zones, reshaping aviation law worldwide.

$7 Million Settlement for Family in Alcohol Overdose Case

The team at Barnes Trial Group obtained a $7 million settlement for the parents of a minor who died after being overserved at a restaurant. Through extensive discovery and witness testimony, the firm proved the establishment knowingly served alcohol to an underage patron. The outcome not only honors the family’s loss but also holds the business accountable for violating the law and endangering lives.

$70.8 Million Verdict in Landmark Medical Malpractice Case

Adam Hecht and Edward Ricci of Searcy, Denney, Scarola, Barnhart & Shipley achieved a record-setting $70,832,502 verdict for a 42-year-old client who suffered catastrophic injuries after an emergency department at Tampa General Hospital failed to diagnose a life-threatening condition. This verdict provides lifelong care for the client and stands as one of the most significant medical malpractice victories in Florida history, reinforcing the firm’s legacy of compassion and justice.

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.

These accomplishments represent just a fraction of the impact our members are making — in courtrooms, communities, and beyond. Every case reflects the heart of Injury Board’s mission: to advocate for people, protect their rights, and drive meaningful change.