Policy Limit Settlement at Trial
November 2017, Scott Macdonald and Michael Cody obtained a policy limits settlement during trial. This was a unique case in which a low-impact case had been settled for $500 following the collision. The validity of the release was challenged. The carrier subsequently tendered the volume of the $15,000 policy limits. Despite the low-impact nature of the collision, the plaintiff underwent a knee surgery and alleged significant continuing back problems.
After an unsuccessful summary judgment, the matter was forced to trial. We brought well-drafted motions in limine to the “trial Judge” (those of you that practice in Los Angeles will understand this) whose comments and questions created the impression that once the evidence was in, we would prevail. During jury selection, plaintiff conceded and we resolved the matter for the policy limits.