Orange County Trial Lawyer Eric V. Traut of Traut Firm wins $5.2 Million Verdict for Client's Rear-End Collision by Deputy Sheriff that resulted in a spine injury

Orange County Trial Lawyer Eric V. Traut of Traut Firm wins $5.2 Million Verdict for Client Lisa Cozy

One of the largest verdicts in California for a spine injury victim was awarded October 27, 2022, in a civil jury trial case for $5.2 million due a car collision. The trial took three years to complete due to Covid delays, and the plaintiff was represented by Orange Country Trial Lawyer Eric V. Traut.

SANTA ANA, Calif., Nov. 15, 2022 In a recent civil jury trial, Orange County Trial Lawyer Eric V. Traut of Traut Firm won a $5.2 Million Verdict on October 27, 2022, for the plaintiff (Lisa Kozy) against the defendant (County of Orange) in the Orange County Superior Court. As the result of a 2019 car collision, the jury awarded Traut's client, Lisa Kozy, one of the largest verdicts in California for a spine injury victim (Case No: 30-2019-01062012-CU-PA).

The trial lasted six days, after nearly three years of litigation and delays due to Covid. Ms. Kozy endured three neck surgeries, from which she is still recuperating, and was awarded this significant but fair sum to cover her past and future medical expenses and for the pain and effects the pain has had on her life. The last settlement offer by the County of Orange was only $150,000.

Our client's neck injury and resulting surgeries have forever changed her previously very active life. We argued for a seven-figure verdict based on the effect of the injuries on her life. This was her first and only chance to obtain compensation to provide some monetary relief. - Eric V Traut

According to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), rear-end collisions are one of the most frequently occurring type of car accident, accounting for approximately 29% of all car accidents.

Nationally recognized Trial Lawyer Eric V. Traut explained, "Lisa Kozy is a wonderful hard-working single mother and grandmother who deserved every penny of the verdict. Her neck injury and resulting surgeries have forever changed her previously very active life. We argued for a seven-figure verdict based on the effect of the injuries on her life. This was her first and only chance to obtain compensation to provide some monetary relief."

After 32 years of practicing trial law, this case resulted in the largest jury verdict the Traut Firm has ever won for a client. The financial damages awarded by the jury include over $1,035,055 for medical expenses (past and future costs) and $4,200,000 in non-economic damages (past and future costs) for a total of $5,235,055.

As an active member of the community, Eric recently received praise for his involvement as Co-Chair of the Orange County Bar Association 2022 College of Trial Advocacy program. This well-known annual legal training course is designed to teach lawyers how to prepare for and try cases. The program is typically hosted by Chapman University, Fowler College of Law.

In addition, Eric V. Traut was also recently elected to the Orange County Bar Association's Board of Directors for a three-year term beginning January 2023. Eric looks forward to representing other legal professionals and upholding the OCBA's mission to enhance the system of justice – "to support the lawyers who serve it, and to assist the community served by it."