Attorneys Christopher Codling & Robert Sparks Recover $30 Million Verdict in Pedestrian Accident Case

TAMPA, Fla., Dec. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- On Friday, Givens Givens Sparks personal injury attorneys, Christopher Codling and Robert Sparks, were awarded a $30 million verdict by a Tampa jury on behalf of their client, Stephanie Ming, who suffered permanent and debilitating brain damage after she was hit by a vehicle while walking on the side of the road in 2011.

The victim was walking on Christmas Eve when the side passenger mirror of a commercial pick-up truck struck Ms. Ming in the back of the head at a speed of approximately 48 miles per hour. The victim was hospitalized and treated for a head injury, including seven staples at Tampa General Hospital. Following the incident, Ms. Ming began to exhibit symptoms associated with a traumatic brain injury, including memory loss, confusion, and other cognitive issues associated with head trauma.

The driver of the truck was a superintendent for Gerelco Traffic Controls, Inc., an engineering and construction company based out of Port. St. Lucie, Florida.  Leading up to the trial, Gerelco Traffic Controls, Inc. denied any liability associated with the incident and also denied that the victim had suffered any permanent injuries or damages.

"The pure negligence and disregard for their wrong doing and the impact it had on our client's life was troubling on multiple levels," said Christopher Codling, lead counsel for the case. "Not only the driver, but also the company that was ultimately accountable for the use and/or misuse of their commercial vehicles, circumvented any responsibility in this matter."

After a five-day jury trial in Hillsborough County where the defendant (Gerelco Traffic Controls, Inc.) ultimately accepted fault for the incident but continued to deny the victim had suffered any permanent injuries, a six-person jury awarded Ms. Ming a $30 million verdict for injuries and damages sustained, including past and future medical expenses, past and future pain and suffering, as well as the impact on her past and future quality of life.

Lead attorneys for the firm's personal injury division, Sparks and Codling's accolades include: National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Attorneys & Top 40 Under 40; Super Lawyer; National Black Lawyers Top 100; Top Trial Lawyers in America Million Dollar Advocate.

Givens Givens Sparks, a Tampa, Florida law firm representing individuals and their families in state and federal cases. With more than 135 years of combined professional experience, the Givens Givens Sparks team of lawyers is dedicated to the advocacy and protection of their clients and their families. To learn more about Givens Givens Sparks, please visit: www.givenssparks.com/

SOURCE Givens Givens Sparks