March 18, 2026. GMKE Senior Associate Attorney Donna Davis won a defense friendly verdict in Gwinnett County Superior Court in front of Judge George Hutchinson. GMKE Attorney Nick Wise served as second chair and assisted at trial.
This suit arose out of a motor vehicle accident that occurred on June 10, 2024 on Loganville Highway at its intersection with Carl-Bethlehem Road in Gwinnett County, GA. The Defendant was traveling behind Plaintiff on Loganville Highway when traffic stopped and the Defendant rear-ended the Plaintiff at a slow speed. There was minimal property damage to the vehicles and negligence was admitted at trial.
The Plaintiff went to the ER on the day of the accident with complaints of head, neck, and back pain. Soon thereafter, the Plaintiff began treating with a chiropractor, where he reported a prior back injury. As he continued treatment, he underwent diagnostic imaging and received epidural steroid injections. He briefly treated with a neurologist as well. The Plaintiff sought treatment for approximately 3 months, and his medical bills totaled $26,968.00.
Plaintiff testified about his treatment and the lasting impacts of this accident. The Defense cross-examined Plaintiff regarding his prior injury and inconsistent reports of pain throughout his treatment. The Plaintiff’s treating chiropractor testified regarding his treatment and suspected cause of the Plaintiff’s pain. The defense made a strategic decision not to call any witnesses or introduce any evidence in order to be able to have the final closing argument.
In closing, counsel for Plaintiff argued that the Defendant should take full responsibility for the injuries to Plaintiff and asked the jury to award $500,000. Ms. Davis asked the jury to award $7,500, which accounted for the Plaintiff’s emergency room visit only. After deliberating for under 2 hours, the jury returned a verdict of $20,834 for the Plaintiff’s medical damages, and $14,000 for pain and suffering, well less than the amount Plaintiff sought prior to trial and below Plaintiff’s final Offer of Settlement.
The case is Lethario Sheppard v. Ellen Brown, Superior Court of Gwinnett County, CAFN: 25A023991.
Click on the link to read more about Senior Associate Donna Davis.
Click on the link to read more about Associate Nick Wise.
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