Historic $82.1 Million Truck Accident Verdict

Bruzzese & Hanlin Law Helps Secure $82.1 Million Verdict for Severely Injured Clients in Jefferson County, Ohio

Bruzzese & Hanlin Law is proud to announce a landmark $82.1 million verdict on behalf of our clients in Jefferson County, Ohio. The case involved a devastating collision in which a commercial utility truck struck our client, who was riding a motorcycle, resulting in the amputation of his left arm and left leg.

From the beginning, liability was fiercely contested. Despite the severity of the injuries, the highest settlement offer our clients ever received before trial was just $350,000. Our team refused to accept anything less than full justice.

Building a Powerful Trial Team

Over several years, our clients worked closely with the trial team, who guided them through some of the most difficult times of their lives. As the case moved toward trial, the team assembled an experienced group of litigators to ensure the best possible outcome.

The trial team brought together skilled attorneys to handle both the liability and damages portions of the case, including experts in medical, prosthetic, and economic damages.

Locally, Attorney Jeffrey Bruzzese of Bruzzese & Hanlin Law served as local counsel, playing a critical role before and during trial. His deep knowledge of the Jefferson County court system and his tireless work throughout the proceedings were instrumental in achieving this historic result.

Turning the Case Around

By the time the expanded trial team joined the case, nearly all the discovery had already been completed. The team was permitted to take only one additional deposition—of the truck driver himself. In that single deposition, the trial team masterfully shifted the liability narrative, dramatically strengthening our clients’ case.

Following that, the trial team prepared detailed demand letters that laid out the evidence and warned of the insurance bad faith implications if the defendants refused to settle. Those demands were ignored by the defendants, their insurers, and defense counsel—an all-too-common occurrence in serious injury litigation.

This case is a reminder that personal injury law isn’t just about understanding accidents— it’s about understanding insurance company tactics and standing firm against bad faith practices.

Turning the Case Around

By the time the expanded trial team joined the case, nearly all the discovery had already been completed. The team was permitted to take only one additional deposition—of the truck driver himself. In that single deposition, the trial team masterfully shifted the liability narrative, dramatically strengthening our clients’ case.

Following that, the trial team prepared detailed demand letters that laid out the evidence and warned of the insurance bad faith implications if the defendants refused to settle. Those demands were ignored by the defendants, their insurers, and defense counsel—an all-too-common occurrence in serious injury litigation.

This case is a reminder that personal injury law isn’t just about understanding accidents— it’s about understanding insurance company tactics and standing firm against bad faith practices.

The Trial and the Verdict

At trial, the trial team shared responsibilities in presenting the case. The team led the presentation of all medical, prosthetic, and economic expert testimony. Their two-hour direct examination of the orthopedic surgeon expert was so compelling that the defense declined to ask a single follow-up question.

As the trial progressed, the defense’s case collapsed under the weight of the facts. Years of denial and lowball settlement offers couldn’t stand up to the truth revealed in the courtroom.

When the jury returned its verdict—$82,105,345.70—it sent a powerful message about accountability, justice, and the value of human life and dignity.

A Note of Gratitude

We extend our sincere thanks to Attorneys Michael Leizerman, Jonathan Bond, Aaron DeShaw, and George Sidiropolis for their excellence, dedication, and skill throughout this case. Their collaboration and commitment to justice were instrumental in achieving this outstanding result.

We also want to recognize our clients, who handled every stage of this long and difficult process with remarkable class, courage, and strength. It was an honor to stand by their side in pursuit of justice.