RumbergerKirk partners Rob Blank and Carie Hall secured a full defense verdict for client Busch Gardens following a six-day trial in Hillsborough County, Florida. The case was tried alongside paralegal Susan McClugage from the firm’s Tampa office, with valuable trial support provided by associates Renee Duffy and Gabriele Bodanza.

In Primus v. Sea World Parks & Entertainment LLC d/b/a Busch Gardens, the plaintiff claimed she tripped over a raised expansion joint on a walkway at the theme park. She alleged multiple injuries including a fractured wrist and elbow, as well as neck and back injuries with a future recommendation for back surgery. Her legal team presented a significant life care plan and asked the jury to award a minimum of $2.82 million in damages.

After careful consideration, the jury found no negligence on the part of Busch Gardens and returned a verdict awarding zero damages. Following the verdict, Busch Gardens is pursuing recovery of attorneys’ fees and costs based on the plaintiff’s rejection of a prior proposal for settlement.

This result reflects the strength of the RumbergerKirk team’s litigation strategy and commitment to delivering successful outcomes for clients in high-exposure cases.