On Jan. 16, 2026, after a four-day jury trial in Pierce County Superior Court, Washington, Baker Sterchi attorneys obtained a significant defense win on behalf of an individual client. In an admitted liability case involving a multi-car rear end accident, the plaintiff alleged traumatic brain and lumbar injuries, mental anguish and a loss of consortium claim asserted by the plaintiff’s spouse.
At trial, plaintiffs claimed permanent injury. The defense presented evidence of the plaintiff’s pre-existing injuries, stressors and mental health conditions. At closing, plaintiffs sought $3 million for the plaintiff and $500,000 for the spouse’s loss of consortium claim.
After deliberating for less than three hours, the jury returned a defense verdict on the loss of consortium claim and awarded $30,000 in noneconomic damages to the plaintiff. The award was well below pre-trial offers.















