Introduction:

Plaintiff v Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is a notable legal case that highlights the role of medical animation in securing a favorable verdict for the plaintiff. The case revolves around an accident involving an MTA bus that severely injured the Plaintiff, requiring cervical fusion surgery. With the assistance of Multus Medical's animation depicting the surgical procedure, the plaintiff's attorneys, Evan Garcia and Allyson Melendez, successfully obtained a $3.1 million verdict despite the defense's request for a defense verdict.

Background:

In 2019, a pedestrian was struck by an MTA bus while crossing the street. The accident caused significant injuries to her cervical spine, leading to chronic pain and impairment. As a result, she underwent cervical fusion surgery, a complex procedure that aims to stabilize the cervical vertebrae and alleviate pain.

1. Legal Claims: The plaintiff filed a lawsuit against the MTA, seeking compensation for her medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of earning capacity, and other damages resulting from the accident. The key claim was that the MTA's negligence in operating the bus caused the accident and her subsequent injuries.
2. Role of Multus Medical's Animation: The plaintiff's attorneys, Evan Garcia and Allyson Melendez, collaborated with Multus Medical. The medical animation company created a detailed and accurate animation depicting the surgical procedure, illustrating the complexity and necessity of the operation to the judge and jury.
3. Court Proceedings: During the trial, Plaintiff's legal team presented the animation as evidence to explain the nature of the injuries sustained and the invasive procedure required for her recovery. The animation served as a visual aid, assisting the judge and jury in comprehending the medical complexities involved and the impact on her quality of life.

Key Arguments:

The insurance company saw the animations during mediation and gained a better understanding of the extent of the man's injuries. They knew his attorney was ready for trial. The insurance company ultimately agreed to a settlement of $775,000, an increase of nearly 90% from their prior offer.

Conclusion

A. Plaintiff's arguments:

• Plaintiff's attorneys argued that the MTA's negligence in operating the bus directly caused the accident and her subsequent injuries.
• The medical animation was used to effectively demonstrate the severity of the injuries and the necessity of the cervical fusion surgery for her physical well-being.
• The plaintiff's legal team sought compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of earning capacity, and other damages resulting from the accident

B. Defendant's arguments:

The defense contested the plaintiff's claims, attempting to shift blame onto the Plaintiff for the accident. They argued that the injuries and subsequent surgery were not directly caused by the accident or the MTA's negligence. The defense requested a defense verdict denying any liability or responsibility for the Plaintiff's damages.

4. Court Decision: Despite the defense's request for a defense verdict, the judge and jury ruled in favor of the plaintiff. The court recognized that the MTA's negligence caused the accident and subsequently led to her severe cervical spine injuries. The medical animation presented by Multus Medical played a crucial role in helping the judge and jury understand the necessity of the cervical fusion surgery and the significant impact on the Plaintiff's life. As a result, she was awarded a $3.1 million verdict.
5. Implications and Impact: The Plaintiff v MTA case demonstrates the effectiveness of medical animation as a persuasive tool in legal proceedings. The use of visual aids, such as the animation provided by Multus Medical, can significantly enhance the jury's comprehension of complex medical procedures and the associated consequences. This case reinforces the importance of employing innovative techniques to present evidence in a clear and compelling manner.
6. Conclusion: Plaintiff v MTA exemplifies the successful utilization of medical animation.