Winning Big: Inside the $19 Million Legal Triumph

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Winning Big Inside the $19 Million Legal Triumph

This episode of the Difference Makers series concludes with a deep reflection from attorneys Paige Singleton and Jessica Schlatter, along with Dr. Jim Hoven, on a personal injury case that resulted in a multi-million dollar verdict for Mikey, a client with cerebral palsy who suffered severe injuries in a collision. The attorneys recount their experiences dealing with opposition from multiple defense law firms and confronting expert witnesses who presented unfounded theories to dismiss Mikey’s condition as unrelated to the accident. The emotional toll of the case is evident as they share the dedication required to achieve justice for Mikey, with each step involving meticulous research, long hours, and heartfelt advocacy.

In addition to the legal hurdles, the attorneys discuss their commitment to presenting the truth about Mikey’s life and injuries, emphasizing the power of honest storytelling in court. This case became a mission beyond financial compensation, aiming to provide Mikey the support he needs to improve his quality of life. Both attorneys describe the experience as life-changing, reflecting on the responsibility they carry as advocates and the impact of the case on the jurors and themselves. Their determination to “tell the truth and make a difference” underscores their approach and commitment to meaningful legal work.

Key Insights 

Defense Strategy and Challenges:

  • The defense attempted to attribute Mikey’s brain injuries to unrelated factors, arguing that he had a shorter life expectancy regardless of the accident.
  • Paige and Jessica confronted six defense firms and countered these claims by thoroughly presenting evidence of the accident’s impact on Mikey’s condition.

Emotional and Physical Toll:

  • Both attorneys worked tirelessly, often with minimal sleep, to prepare for court, underscoring the emotional and physical dedication required for high-stakes cases.

Trial Preparation and Storytelling:

  • The team relied on lay witnesses, family members, and friends to truthfully portray Mikey’s life before and after the incident, helping the jury understand his reality.
  • Emphasized an ethical approach—telling the truth without exaggeration—to connect with the jury and present an authentic account of Mikey’s experience.

Significance of Team Effort:

  • The attorneys highlighted the support of their legal team and families, crucial in maintaining the stamina needed for an intensive legal battle.

Post-Trial Reflection:

  • The attorneys viewed this case as transformative, learning from Mikey’s resilience and noting the profound impact it had on their lives and careers.

Why was the defense arguing that Mikey’s injuries were unrelated to the collision? The defense attempted to minimize liability by suggesting Mikey’s injuries stemmed from unrelated conditions rather than the accident. Paige and Jessica countered this by presenting substantial evidence to prove the injuries were directly caused by the collision.

How did the attorneys deal with the emotional toll of the case? Both attorneys acknowledged the strain, describing their efforts to manage long hours and stress by focusing on their commitment to the client and receiving support from their families and colleagues.

Why did the attorneys rely on lay witnesses to tell Mikey’s story? Using family members and friends provided an honest, relatable perspective on Mikey’s life, which helped the jury see the impact of his injuries without it appearing as exaggerated or self-serving.

What were the main challenges faced during trial preparation? They faced several challenges, including an unexpected dismissal of a major defendant weeks before trial and ongoing objections from the defense. The legal team had to quickly adapt their strategy under tight deadlines.

How did this case impact the attorneys personally? Paige and Jessica described it as life-changing, noting how it taught them resilience, empathy, and the importance of fighting for justice. They felt deeply inspired by Mikey’s strength and were moved by the emotional reactions of the jury and judge.

Why is telling the truth emphasized in their approach? The attorneys believe that straightforward, truthful storytelling resonates most with juries and builds trust. They avoided embellishment to ensure the jury saw the genuine nature of Mikey’s experience and needs.






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Jim Hoven

Director of Operations

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