Verdict for the Plaintiff: $35,000,000
Paulette and Robert Kirkpatrick were enjoying their retirement driving down Tamiami Trail on a clear Florida night when the Defendant, a drunk and reckless individual named Thomas Cypress, crashed into them head on, killing them instantly and ruining the lives of their children, grandchildren and all those who knew them. This was a high profile case that Judd and Brett Rosen took to trial. The jury heard evidence of the Defendants’ drunkenness and the severe loss of life that he caused. The Kirkpatrick’s were teachers and loving people in their local community. The Miami-Dade County jury understood the loss that was caused and awarded $30,000,000 in compensatory damages which is believed to be the largest verdict for adult surviving children in the history of the State of Florida. $5,000,000 were also awarded in punitive damages to represent a punishment in financial terms for the damage caused through the criminal acts of Mr. Cypress. A confidential settlement was ultimately reached.