John P. Knight and Janelle M. Gordon obtained a defense verdict after a four-day jury trial in Hampden Superior Court.
The plaintiff claimed that her mother assaulted her during an argument. As a result of the assault, the plaintiff claimed that she developed Complex Regional Pain Syndrome to her left forearm which spread throughout her upper extremities. The plaintiff brought negligence and battery claims against her mother, who was arrested as a result of the incident. The defendant denied hitting her daughter, and liability for the alleged damages was contested. As for damages, the plaintiff’s expert opined that she developed Complex Regional Pain Syndrome as a result of the incident, and both the plaintiff and her expert testified that she had permanent injuries. However, the plaintiff had a long history of mental health issues, and there was considerable evidence, including testimony from a pain management expert, that the plaintiff did not have CRPS.
After deliberating for only 45 minutes, the jury returned a defense verdict on both the negligence and the battery counts.
