A Hillsborough County jury returned a defense verdict in favor of Busch Gardens following a five-day trial led by RumbergerKirk attorneys Rob Blank, Carie Hall, and Blake Bonsack, with paralegal Susan McClugage, from the firm’s Tampa office. Paulina Jacobs and Madison Temple also assisted with trial preparation and support.

The plaintiff alleged she slipped on a metal drain cover on a wet walkway during rainy conditions and claimed injuries to her shoulder, elbow, wrist, and knee. She asserted that she had undergone four surgeries since the incident and presented a life care plan seeking future medical expenses for the remainder of her life.

Plaintiff’s counsel asked the jury to award $4,015,620.95, including $16,020.95 in past medical expenses, $108,720 in future medical expenses, $386,880 for past pain and suffering, and $3,504,000 for future pain and suffering.

The jury returned a defense verdict, awarding zero damages and finding no negligence on the part of Busch Gardens.

Busch Gardens is moving to recover its attorneys’ fees and costs based on the plaintiff’s rejection of its Proposal for Settlement.