Orange County Jury Awards Plaintiff Just Over 10% of Eight Figures Requested at Trial
On January 30, 2026, Scott Macdonald and Danielle Boyd secured a verdict in the Orange County Superior Court for an admitted liability, alleged traumatic brain injury case. The case involved a side-swipe accident in which plaintiff’s driver’s side door was hit by a third vehicle after our client ran a red light. Plaintiff hit her head against the passenger side window, causing a hematoma. She was self-transported to the hospital after the collision, where she was diagnosed with a concussion. Imaging also revealed a pre-existing Chiari I malformation. Plaintiff sought care with multiple lien providers following the accident with complaints of headaches and other associated neurological symptoms. She claimed a significant life disruption, including difficulties working and caring for three children. Plaintiff sought over $15,000,000 at trial for a life-long injury.
Mr. Macdonald and Ms. Boyd introduced evidence that two of plaintiff’s three children were born after the accident. Social media and investigative footage demonstrated that plaintiff was not as impaired as claimed. Expert testimony established that the concussion was mild and would have resolved within a short period of time.
After deliberations, the jury awarded less than half of plaintiff’s past medical bills, $50,000. The jury awarded a small percentage of the Life Care Plan sought by plaintiff, $115,000. The jury awarded past pain and suffering of $450,000 and future pain and suffering of $40,000. The total verdict was $655,000.
Following Plaintiff’s motion for a new trial on grounds of future noneconomic being inadequate and baseless allegations of juror misconduct, the court denied, and the verdict was successfully protected.
Read MoreProud Sponsor of the 9th Annual CRB Golf Tournament
The team at Macdonald & Cody, LLP is pleased to be able to help contribute to organizations like, The Alabaster Jar Project and the upcoming event on May 8th, the 9th Annual CRB Golf Tournament.
Proud Sponsor of the Childhelp Rich Saul Memorial Golf Classic 2026
The team at Macdonald & Cody, LLP is pleased to be able to help contribute to organizations like, Childhelp and their upcoming event on May 18th, the Rich Saul Memorial Golf Classic 2026.
Holiday Giving Initiative Supports Local Youth
This holiday season, our firm was proud to host a gift drive in partnership with the Riverside County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS). Attorneys and staff from our firm, along with employees from neighboring businesses at the Central Corporate Center, came together to support children and youth served through DPSS and the Harmony Haven Children & Youth Center.
Over the course of one week, participants generously donated a wide range of requested items, including clothing, footwear, personal care items, games, and other gifts selected specifically for youth in care.
We are grateful to everyone who participated and to DPSS for the opportunity to collaborate on this meaningful initiative.
Below is a short video showcasing this holiday partnership and the generosity that makes our community so special.
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Automobile Versus Pedestrian Significant Arm Laceration Case Results in Four-figure Verdict
Scott Macdonald and Alex Macdonald secured a favorable verdict in Torrance on December 22, 2025.
This was a disputed liability case. Our client was proceeding westbound down a narrow street with cars parked on both sides. There was a tow truck facing eastbound, double-parked next to parked cars on the south side of the street. Plaintiff was interacting with the tow truck driver, who was unloading his motorcycle from the truck bed. There were multiple conflicting accounts of what Plaintiff was doing at the time of the impact. Plaintiff claimed that he was in the street next to the tow truck facing southwest talking to the tow truck driver on the flat bed. A witness claimed that Plaintiff was facing southbound looking at the tow truck. Plaintiff’s two liability experts agreed that Plaintiff was facing westbound in the street, with his back to defendant’s vehicle. The investigating officer reported that Plaintiff was facing southbound and turned to walk northbound into defendant’s path of travel. Defendant claimed that Plaintiff was standing on the steps of the tow truck cab and jumped off into his vehicle. It was undisputed that Plaintiff’s right elbow/triceps region contacted Mr. Pina’s windshield, resulting in a penetrating wound to that area.
At trial, Plaintiff made claims for a penetrating wound on his right triceps resulting in scars and disfigurement of his tattoos, lower back pain, 4 years of past noneconomic damages, and 40 years of future noneconomic damages. During the four and a half years from the date of the accident and trial, Plaintiff attended a total of<nine medical appointments for his injuries from July 30, 2021 (DOL) and May 26, 2022, including a gap in treatment from August 5, 2021 to February 3, 2022, when he went to see his attorney-referred plastic surgeon. The defense demonstrated that plaintiff traveled to Mexico, Greece, Turkey, Australia, Switzerland, Italy, New Zealand, Cuba, Canada, Austria, South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Washington D.C., New Mexico, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and other places from as soon as 17 days after the accident until a few months before trial. Plaintiff, a self-proclaimed amateur bodybuilder, also claimed that he was unable to compete in a men’s physique competition.
During closing, Plaintiff’s counsel asked the jury to award $5,000 in past meds, $6,000-$12,000 in future meds, $75,000-$95,000 for four years of past noneconomic damages, and $850,000-$950,000 for 40 years of future noneconomic damages, totaling $936,000-1,062,000. The jury came back with an award of $13,000 and 60% comparative fault on Plaintiff. Plaintiff’s counsel claimed that the $50,000 policy was open and did not accept prior counsel’s 998 offer for the policy limit back in August 2025.
Read MoreHoliday Cheers from Macdonald & Cody
This holiday season, Macdonald & Cody LLP celebrated with our annual firm gathering, bringing together team members to reflect on a year of hard work and shared successes. We are deeply grateful for our team and extend our best wishes for a bright and joyful holiday season.
Macdonald & Cody 2025 Annual Bowling Event
Macdonald & Cody, LLP enjoyed another fun-filled day at our annual bowling event! Team members and their families came together to share laughs, strike up some friendly competition, and build memories beyond the office. It was a wonderful chance to strengthen connections across our firm, celebrate the hard work of the past year, and simply enjoy time together.
Proud Sponsor of the WINE & WISHES Gala 2025
The team at Macdonald & Cody, LLP is pleased to be able to help contribute to Make a Wish San Diego and their event on October 11th, the WINE & WISHES Gala 2025.
Parking Lot Slip and Fall Results in Broken Ankle
Scott Macdonald and Eric Macdonald secured a jury verdict in an alleged dangerous condition case in Orange County on July 29, 2025. Our clients owned a strip mall which included parking in front of businesses. Plaintiff had been working at a bar on the night in question and was headed to another bar at our client’s property when the incident occurred. She stepped out of her vehicle and rolled her ankle in a pothole in the asphalt. She broke her ankle but did not seek any immediate medical treatment. She eventually presented to the hospital and was put into a cast. Subsequent medical visits and therapy allegedly did not cure the pain. At trial, it was argued that defendants should have known of the dangerous condition. Defendants argued that the pothole was open and obvious. Plaintiff sought nearly a million dollars in lifetime pain and suffering and waived all economic loss. The jury ultimately awarded $50,000 and put 40% comparative fault on plaintiff.
Read MoreDefense Verdict in Auto Service Center Injury Trial
On June 25, 2025, Joseph Fitzgerald and Danielle Boyd secured a $600,000 jury verdict while representing the defense in a Los Angeles County trial involving an alleged foot crush injury at an auto service center. Plaintiff sought approximately $25 million in damages, alleging unsafe conditions and significant ongoing injuries. After trial, the jury allocated a portion of responsibility to the plaintiff.
The case was covered by Courtroom View Network (CVN).
Click the link to read more about the trial and verdict: $25M Lawsuit Over Auto Service Center Foot Crush Injury Ends In $600K Verdict
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