2019 To Date: Big Wins for Our Clients
Avera & Smith has served the Gainesville community and its surrounding areas for more than 70 years. The firm represents Floridians in and out of the courtroom. From personal injury claims and workers’ compensation to criminal defense, the firm’s legacy is that of personal service and genuine care for its clients and 2019 has been a year of doing just that. So far this year, the Gainesville law firm has achieved more than $58 million in awarded verdicts for its clients.
Four Major Cases
While Avera & Smith provides help to many individuals with unique cases and claims, the Gainesville law firm achieved major verdicts in four distinct cases.
Dixon v. R.J. Reynolds
In February, a jury in Alachua County awarded $13.5 million in punitive damages to the family of Tyrone Dixon. This, coupled with the $2 million in compensatory damages previously awarded to the family, brought the total verdict to $15.5 million. The case was tried by Gainesville attorneys Rod Smith and Dawn Vallejos-Nichols of Avera & Smith. Dixon passed away from cancer of the larynx in 1994 at the age of 38 after more than two decades of smoking tobacco products from R.J. Reynolds. He was a long-time Alachua County resident and even played football for the University of Florida. He left behind a widow and two young children.
Kathleen Barrett, M.D.
In June, an Alachua County jury awarded Kathleen Barrett, M.D. $5 million in compensatory damages in a personal injury case involving a 2013 rear-end car crash. Dr. Barrett underwent several surgeries and had to resign from her position at UF Health Shands as a pediatric anesthesiologist. The case was tried by Gainesville personal injury attorneys Rod Smith and Dawn Vallejos-Nichols of Avera & Smith and Ben Hutson of Hutson Law Firm. The verdict covers past and future medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering due to the accident.
Wiederhold v. Domino’s Pizza
Also in June, a jury in Orange County awarded the widow of retired Brevard County Fire Rescue District Chief Richard Wiederhold $8.97 million in damages against Domino’s Pizza. One of the delivery drivers for the company turned in front of Wiederhold on State Road 50 in Christmas, FL, causing Wiederhold to swerve to avoid the collision. The company was found liable for causing a 2011 car accident that left Wiederhold a quadriplegic. Wiederhold passed away 15 months later due to medical complications related to the crash. Gainesville lawyer and Managing Partner of Avera & Smith, Mark Avera represented Mrs. Wiederhold during the trial.
Faircloth v. Potbelly’s
In August, a jury in Tallahassee awarded the parents of Jackie Faircloth $30.84 million in damages from a drunk driving accident in 2014 involving Potbelly’s, a popular bar in Tallahassee. The bar was found liable after one of the underage employees purchased 18 beers and six bourbons and later struck Faircloth with his car while still intoxicated as she was crossing the road during a trip to FSU to visit her brother. Faircloth was rendered unable to walk, talk, feed herself or perform normal, daily activities. The case was tried by Gainesville lawyers Mark Avera and Alex Avera of Avera & Smith and Don Hinkle of Hinkle Foran in Tallahassee.
Gainesville Lawyers That Care
These verdicts represent a small fraction of the cases and claims that the lawyers of Avera & Smith undertake. The Gainesville law firm is not afraid to go to trial to fight for the rights of their clients and the compensation they deserve. With the utmost care and service, the firm handles personal and serious injury, medical malpractice, workers’ compensation and work-related claims, criminal defense and business litigation cases.
Their dedication to the local community and individuals in need of legal services ensures fair settlements and verdicts for their clients. As a team with extensive courtroom experience, Avera & Smith helps their clients navigate the complex, and often-times confusing, nature of the legal system. The attorneys at Avera & Smith will do the heavy-lifting so their clients can focus on recovery and get their lives back on track.
For a free consultation, or for any other questions, contact the attorneys at Avera & Smith.