San Diego, CA, March 27, 2025 — National insurance defense firm Tyson & Mendes, LLP announced today a significant trial victory in a high-stakes trial involving allegations of a traumatic brain injury. A San Diego jury rejected the plaintiff’s demand for $55 million, delivering a drastically reduced verdict of just under $3 million. Tyson & Mendes Partner Christopher Schon led the defense on behalf of a longstanding, locally owned restaurant in San Diego. Associate Anthony Puzo joined Schon as second chair in trial, playing a critical role in securing the win.

The case stemmed from a 2021 accident in which the plaintiff was struck by a standing heating lamp while dining. Plaintiff sustained injuries, including a mild traumatic brain injury, and submitted an extensive life care plan projecting future complications. The plaintiff sought $5 million pre-trial—ultimately requesting $55 million from the jury.

The Tyson & Mendes team faced a skilled and aggressive plaintiff team who emphasized the plaintiff’s role as a mother of six, downplayed pre-existing conditions, and leaned heavily on emotional arguments. The court permitted extensive testimony regarding speculative long-term effects, including the plaintiff’s supposed increased risk of dementia.

Despite these challenges, the defense employed the firm’s Core Four trial strategies to strategically control the narrative and empower the jury to deliberate using common sense. Liability was admitted early, allowing the focus to remain on damages and demonstrating the restaurant’s willingness to accept responsibility.

“By staying grounded in the facts and using our proven Method, we gave the jury a clear, reasonable path,” said Christopher Schon. “The result speaks to the power of accepting responsibility, personalizing the defendant, telling the good news, and embodying common sense to avoid Nuclear Verdicts®.”

The jury’s verdict of just under $3 million, marked a major victory for the defense, particularly in a venue known for plaintiff-friendly outcomes.

For more information and to view career opportunities, visit www.tysonmendes.com.

About Tyson & Mendes LLP

Tyson & Mendes LLP is a nationwide, AV-rated litigation and trial firm specializing in insurance defense and protecting its clients from Nuclear Verdicts®. Founded in 2002 by Robert Tyson and Patrick Mendes, the firm has experienced tremendous growth, with offices across the United States. Tyson & Mendes is known for its expertise in defending corporations, insurance companies, and their clients against Nuclear Verdicts®.

Serving 22 states nationwide, Tyson & Mendes is one of the fastest-growing civil defense firms in the U.S. and is proud to offer one of the fastest and clearest paths to partnership for its attorneys of any mid-sized law firm in the U.S. The firm is honored to be recognized as a 2024 Best Law Firm by Best Lawyers, named a 2024 Best Company to Work For: Law Firms edition by U.S. News & World Report, awarded the 2023 Liberty Mutual Insurance External Law Firm Partner of the Year Award, awarded the No. 1 “Ceiling Smasher” in Law360’s 2022 Glass Ceiling Report for female equity partnership, and shortlisted for Financial Times’ 2022 Innovative Lawyers North America Award.

For more information, visit www.tysonmendes.com.

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