Case Results
Since 1986, HGR has helped many hundreds of clients successfully secure justice over a wide variety of case types. Below are just a few of the settlements and verdicts we’ve obtained for our clients. To maintain the confidentiality of our current and prior clients we can’t release details of the cases on our website. As you can see, we handle a wide variety of cases.
Personal Injury Case Results
Case Type: Premises
Recovery: $3,000,000
Our client, a 12-year-old boy, suffered a catastrophic spinal cord injury after collapsing in the water at a local water park's man-made lake, which featured floating trampolines and slides. Witnesses saw him swim to shore, begin removing his life vest, and then collapse; bystanders pulled him from the water unresponsive. He was rushed to Wolfson Children's Hospital, where doctors discovered a fractured neck and an unexplained head laceration, later attributed to the delayed effect of gravity once he stood after being injured in the water. Emergency surgery saved his life but left him unable to use his arms or legs. With no witnesses or surveillance footage, our firm immediately retained a safety expert and gained early access to inspect the park, uncovering multiple safety deficiencies. Facing significant uncertainty on liability, we built a compelling case grounded in the park's exclusive control over the hazard. Within months of the injury, the water park tendered its full available policy limits, securing a $3,000,000 recovery for the family. Through extensive therapy, the young man has since regained use of his upper body and can now stand with assistance.
Case Type: Negligence
Recovery: $2,200,000
Our client rushed to help a neighbor after hearing cries for help following a loud electrical explosion, only to be caught in a second, unexpected surge when the utility company re-energized nearby power lines without first confirming it was safe to do so. When our client arrived at the scene, there was no indication the lines were still live, he even safely handled equipment at the site without incident. Moments later, the lines were re-energized, causing a second explosion that left him severely and permanently injured. The utility company offered only $50,000 to resolve the claim. We rejected the offer and litigated the case for several additional months, ultimately securing a $2,200,000 recovery for our client.
Case Type: Motorcycle Accident
Recovery:$1,250,000
Our client, operating a motorcycle on Cassat Avenue, when another driver violated his right of way resulting in the collision. Our client sustained fractures to both his femurs and to one of his tibias, along with cuts and abrasions. Initially the Bodily Injury policy was offered, but upon further investigation and diligence, we also secured the one million dollar umbrella policy. The total settlement was $1,250,000.00.
Case Type: Auto Accident
Recovery: $1,250,000
R. Harris and Shutters were able to obtain excess policy limits for two clients that were passengers in a vehicle that turned in front of a vehicle as they were heading into a shopping plaza resulting in severe injuries. Each client was life-flighted from the scene and each had extensive medical treatment. Investigators were immediately sent to the scene and to the vehicles to determine the possible causes related to speed and distance. As passengers, our young clients were found to have no liability for the accident and we were able to make a recovery from several insurance sources, including some excess amounts.
Case Type: Auto Accident
Recovery:$1,050,000
Our client, an older woman with disabilities, was sitting in her living room when an intoxicated driver crashed his vehicle into her home, striking her and scattering debris throughout the room. She suffered a broken jaw and significant spinal injuries. Her own UM coverage paid $50,000 promptly, and while the at-fault driver's carrier initially offered $100,000, we continued to advocate for the full value of the claim. Our persistence secured the complete $1,000,000 policy limits from the at-fault carrier, bringing the total recovery to $1,050,000.
Case Type: Auto Accident
Recovery:$550,000
Our client, an owner/operator truck driver, involved in a motor vehicle accident - clear liability but insurance company argued gaps in treatment and ability to maintain same employment as defenses. We pushed with reports and expert opinions as to how his injuries resulted in his selling his tractor trailer and having trouble changing careers. His medicals, although only about $45K total, did not paint the whole story, but Progressive finally agreed to settlement of $550,000.00.
Case Type: Auto Accident
Recovery: $474,000
Our client was driving his truck when a dump truck violated his right of way while attempting to pull into a gas station, totaling his vehicle. The at-fault carrier was provided full documentation of medical bills, treatment, and lost wages but offered only $153,000. After we filed a proposal for settlement for the remaining balance of the $500,000 combined single limit policy, the carrier accepted, resulting in a total recovery of $474,000.
Case Type: Auto Accident
Recovery: $450,000
Our client, a professional truck driver, was traveling on I-75 near Atlanta when an axle detached from a tractor-trailer ahead of him, launching his vehicle into the air on impact. The crash caused a serious spinal injury requiring surgery. After years of litigation, we secured a $450,000 recovery from the at-fault carrier.
Case Type: Auto Accident
Recovery: $400,000
Our client was riding his bicycle for work when a vehicle exiting a gas station failed to stop, striking him and sending him into the air, an impact captured on the station's surveillance footage. He sustained a spinal injury requiring surgery, along with cuts and abrasions. Despite challenging facts surrounding the accident, our firm secured a $400,000 recovery on his behalf.
Case Type: Auto Accident
Recovery: $345,000
Our client sustained whiplash-type injuries in a motor vehicle accident. The at-fault carrier tendered its $100,000 bodily injury policy limits, but the client's own UM carrier initially offered only $5,000. As we prepared the case for trial, the defense incrementally increased its offer, ultimately reaching a $245,000 settlement, bringing the total recovery to $345,000.
Case Type: Premises
Recovery: $330,000
Our client tripped on an elevated sidewalk crack directly in front of her primary care physicians' office. The defense of open and obvious was negated when we pointed out that people leaving the office are generally reviewing the paperwork the office just handed them upon exiting, causing a distraction. The elevation was significant and even though the defendant admitted liability, the above arguments were all focused on reducing the damages. Our client sustained a broken arm. After several attempts at negotations, pre-suit, we reached the settlement goal of $330,000.00.
Case Type: Auto Accident
Recovery:$300,000
After a serious multi-vehicle rear-end collision, our client suffered significant neck and back injuries that continued despite extensive conservative treatment. As the case progressed, we gathered and presented detailed medical evidence documenting permanent injuries, future treatment needs, and the substantial impact the crash had on our client's daily life. Although the insurance carrier initially offered only $56,222.53 to resolve the UM claim, our firm continued to advocate for full compensation and demonstrated that the available liability coverage was inadequate. As a result of those efforts, we secured the full $300,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist policy limits.
Case Type: Premises
Recovery:$295,000
Our client tripped over a locking cable, nearly invisible against the matching sidewalk color, used to secure outdoor furniture at a local thrift store. Our elderly client sustained a fractured hip and endured a lengthy recovery. In the end our team help our client settle for $295,000.
Case Type: Auto Accident
Recovery: $250,000
Our client sustained serious injuries after being rear-ended while stopped in traffic. Despite extensive medical treatment, including pain management procedures and ultimately hip surgery, the insurance company initially offered only $90,000 to resolve the underinsured motorist claim. Our firm worked closely with the client's treating physicians to document permanent injuries, future medical needs, and the lasting effects of the crash. By presenting the full scope of the client's damages and continuing to press for fair compensation, we were able to obtain the complete $250,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist policy limits recovery.
Case Type: Premises / Auto
Recovery: $200,000
Our client was enjoying a day watching golf with his family when he was struck from behind by a golf cart at a local golf course. Though his injuries initially appeared minor, further evaluation revealed additional, permanent injuries affecting his ability to work. After filing suit, the golf cart driver's auto carrier tendered its $100,000 bodily injury policy under Florida's Dangerous Instrumentality Act. Continued pursuit against other responsible parties secured an additional $100,000, for a total recovery of $200,000.
Case Type: Bicycle Accident
Recovery: $400,000
Shutters and R. Harris successfully obtained policy limits of $400,000 ($100K at-fault party and $300K of uninsured motorist coverage) when his client was struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle on the sidewalk along San Jose Boulevard. The at-fault party was exiting a gas station and not paying attention resulting in spine injuries that led to a two-level fusion in his back.
Case Type: Auto Accident
Recovery: $278,954
Shutters and R. Harris obtained a verdict of $268,954.56 against GEICO. This was a motor vehicle accident wherein our client was a passenger turning on a green arrow when the at-fault party ran a red light crashing into the side of our client’s vehicle. The accident was actually caught on video through a nearby store surveillance and shown to the jury. The at-fault party tendered the available $10,000 policy, but GEICO refused to tender the available $50,000 uninsured motorist coverage. Our client sustained bulges and several herniated discs in her spine and while she did not undergo surgery, our experts testified that she would be a surgical candidate in the future. Her pre-existing records failed to show any prior back or neck complaints. GEICO offered $35,000 before the trial. GEICO has an expert from JOI testify that her injuries were not permanent and that her injuries would resolve without any surgical intervention.
Case Type: Slip & Fall
Recovery: $295,000
Shutters’ client was a patron at a local thrift store that had outdoor furniture on the front walk secured with clear locking wires. His client, unable to detect the wires, caught her foot, fell, and sustained fractures to her hip and arm. This matter was defended vigorously on liability issues, however, even with an assessment of comparative fault, the store conceded the risks moving forward with a trial and resolved the lawsuit.
Case Type: Auto Accident
Recovery: $232,000
Shutters obtained a total of $232,000 for his client following two motor vehicle accidents that were less than one month apart. Insurance fought against which accident caused the need for the client’s two-level cervical fusion, however, the total amount of the available at-fault limits from both accidents was eventually tendered ($70,000). Shutters then fought with the client’s own insurance company seeking additional compensation for her injuries and was able to procure an additional $162,000 in settlement funds.
Case Type: Motorcycle Accident
Recovery: $125,000
Shutters and R. Harris successfully obtained all available limits of $125,000 for their client who sustained a fractured femur after a motor vehicle pulled out in front of his motorcycle.
Case Type: Slip & Fall
Recovery: $125,000
Shutters’ client sustained a fractured ankle while making a delivery to a supermarket and was able to prove that the loading dock had a possible defect that contributed to the injury.
Workers' Compensation Case Results
Case Type: Workplace Injury
Recovery: $2,600,000
We helped an employee reach a settlement agreement for $2,600,000 when the employee was injured on the job, after a life-changing serious crush injury, leaving the employee in a wheelchair.
Case Type: Workplace Injury
Recovery: $915,000
We assisted an employee to recover $915,000 after the employee tripped on a floor mat and was ultimately diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome from the industrial accident.
Case Type: Workplace Injury
Recovery: $266,300
We assisted an employee following a work-related fight with significant injuries from a co-employee resulting in a settlement of $266,300.
Case Type: Workplace Injury
Recovery: $200,000
We recovered $200,000 for a machine operator after a significant arm and hand injury after the employee’s arm was caught in a machine at work.
Case Type: Workplace Injury
Recovery: $200,000
We recovered $200,000 for a machine operator after a significant arm and hand injury after the employee’s arm was caught in a machine at work.
Case Type: Workplace Injury
Recovery: $200,000
We recovered $200,000 for a machine operator after a significant arm and hand injury after the employee’s arm was caught in a machine at work.
Case Type: Workplace Injury
Recovery: $232,000
After being injured falling out of a chair at work, we recovered over $232,000 for a manager.
Case Type: Workplace Injury
Recovery: $578,500
We recovered over $578,500 for a supervisor who had a serious crush injury to his foot.
Case Type: Workplace Injury
Recovery: $220,000
We successfully obtained $220,000 for a warehouse employee who had a forklift injury that resulted in serious injuries to his foot.
Case Type: Workplace Injury
Recovery: $245,000
We helped a gutter installer recover $245,000 following a work-related motor vehicle accident.
Case Type: Workplace Injury
Recovery: $247,000
We successfully recovered over $247,000 for a Sheriff’s Officer injured while on the job.
Case Type: Workplace Injury
Recovery: $249,000
We recovered over $249,000 for a delivery driver who was involved in a significant work-related motor vehicle accident.
Case Type: Workplace Injury
Recovery: $550,000
We recovered over $550,000 for a construction worker who sustained a serious work-related accident on his back.
Case Type: Workplace Injury
Recovery: $245,000
We recovered over $245,000 for an airline employee who had a significant work-related hand injury.
Case Type: Workplace Injury
Recovery: $200,000
We helped an employee recover $200,000 after a stroke occurred at the workplace.
Case Type: Workplace Injury
Recovery: $250,000
We helped a teacher recover $250,000 after a fall at work.
Criminal Law Case Results
Case Type: DUI
Client was arrested by the NCSO for DUI. While at the station, the client submitted to a breath test. The results were over the legal limit. The Firm proved in Court that the proper breath testing procedures were not followed by law enforcement. The Court ruled that the state could not use the breath test results at trial. The DUI charge was reduced and the case was resolved successfully.
Case Type: DUI
The client was stopped for an irregular driving pattern after leaving the bars in Jacksonville Beach. Motion to suppress evidence that was litigated on behalf on behalf of the client was granted resulting in the court excluded all evidence that law enforcement had gathered against the client. The DUI charge was ultimately dismissed.
Case Type: DUI & DWI
The Court granted a motion to suppress, which resulted in a dismissal of the DUI charge, based upon proving that law enforcement conducted the sobriety roadblock in an unconstitutional manner. Ultimately the charges were dismissed.
Case Type: DUI
Client pled guilty to DUI at First Appearance, the morning after his arrest, without an attorney to represent him. The Firm was successful in filing and having granted a Motion for Post-Conviction Relief. The DUI conviction was vacated and set aside.
Case Type: DUI
During law enforcement’s investigation of our client at roadside for DUI, the client refused to perform the field sobriety exercises. He was subsequently arrested for DUI and prosecuted. The state wanted to use the client’s refusal to show a “consciousness of guilt”. Because the firm proved there were irregularities with the roadside investigation and that there was a violation of the client’s Miranda rights, the Court excluded much of the state’s evidence. The DUI was reduced to a lesser charge and the case was resolved to the client’s satisfaction.
Family Law Case Results
Case Type: Domestic Violence
Upon appeal to the First District Court of Appeal in Tallahassee, the appellate court reversed the Nassau County trial court that entered a repeat violence injunction against our client. The appellate court found there was insufficient evidence adduced by the Petitioner and that the Injunction should have never been entered against the Respondent.
Case Type: Domestic
Chris Wilson defended the client when an injunction (restraining order) was filed against her. The Court sided with the Plaintiff and granted the injunction. The Firm appealed. Almost a year after the appeal was filed, the First District Court of Appeal overturned the trial judge’s decision and vacated the injunction.
Case Type: Child Support
Client with a long-standing child support issue hired the Firm as his family law attorney to resolve his contempt charges and child support arrearage. After a comprehensive review of the Court file, the firm proved that the client was never properly served at the outset of the case years prior. The Court decided that the case was “void ab initio”, meaning from the beginning, and all of the client’s arrearages were forgiven. Plus, his driver’s license, which had been suspended for several years, was reinstated.
