Secured affirmance from Florida’s Second District Court of Appeal of a complete defense verdict for Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in a premises liability action. Following a six-day jury trial, the plaintiff sought at least $2.8 million in damages, but the jury returned a defense verdict and awarded zero damages. The appellate court affirmed the trial court’s judgment on September 30, 2026, preserving the favorable result for the client.

🔗 Read the press release: LINK

🔗 Full appellate opinion: LINK

Admitted liability case in which a tractor trailer rear-ended the plaintiff’s stopped car. The plaintiff attorney asked the jury for $2 million. The jury returned a verdict of $76,635, triggering RumbergerKirk’s entitlement to attorneys’ fees under the proposal for settlement statute.

A Hillsborough County jury returned a defense verdict in favor of Busch Gardens after a six day trial led by attorneys Rob Blank and Carie Hall. Plaintiff alleged she tripped over a raised expansion joint on a walkway. She alleged multiple injuries including a fractured wrist and elbow, as well as neck and back injuries with a future recommendation for back surgery and a significant life care plan. Plaintiff’s attorney asked the jury to award a minimum of $2,820,267.  The jury awarded zero, finding no negligence by Busch Gardens.  Associates Renee Duffy and Gabriele Bodanza assisted with the trial.  Busch Gardens is moving for its attorneys’ fees and costs based on Plaintiff’s rejection of its proposal for settlement.