In the third and final episode of Season 3 of Beating Goliath, Tierney’s case is in the hands of the jury.
During closing arguments, Tierney’s attorneys suggested a verdict of around $175 million, while the defense attorneys for the city of Chicago, suggested just about $30 million, a number not much different than their original settlement offer. It was clear both sides believed in their case – but it was only a matter of time before the jury would return their verdict and Tierney would hopefully, finally see justice.
After deliberating for just about five hours, Tierney’s attorneys receive a call that the verdict is in. After rejecting one last settlement offer from the defense, Tierney’s attorneys find out if they made the right call in rejecting their offers.
Listen in to hear the jury’s final verdict and hear more about Tierney and her family’s lives today.
You Will Meet:
⚖️ Tierney Darden, Plaintiff
- A young woman who was on her way home from a family trip when she was paralyzed at O’Hare Airport
- “I think now I’ve gotten to the point where I’m just like, okay, you messed up and you had to deal with the consequences. And I hope you learn from your mistake.”
⚖️ Trudy Darden
- Tierney’s mother, who was with her at the time of her injury
- “I knew it was going to be a good verdict, I just did not expect that. So, I think I inhaled sharply, and I don’t think I could even breathe for a while.”
⚖️ David Darden
- Tierney’s father, who was on his way to pick up his family when the incident occurred
- “Obviously the defense viewed her continued needs, her future needs, etc. as much lower than our side looked at it.”
⚖️ Patrick A. Salvi Sr., Partner at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard
- Lead attorney representing Tierney in her case against the city of Chicago
- “Each and every juror wanted to hug Tierney. They lined up to hug her before they left, each one.”
⚖️ Patrick A. Salvi II, Partner at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard
- Attorney representing Tierney in her case against the city of Chicago
- “A verdict like this is certainly a message to anyone that has the responsibility of maintaining premises, particularly public ways.”
⚖️ Tara R. Devine, Partner at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard
- Attorney representing Tierney in her case against the city of Chicago
- “For her catastrophic injury to not define her future and define her, it’s the most you can hope for.”
⚖️ Eirene N. Salvi, Associate Attorney at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard
- Attorney representing Tierney in her case against the city of Chicago
- “There’s kind of a vindication that you feel at the end of all of the blood, sweat and tears that went into your preparation and everything that your client went through. And just knowing that she felt seen and heard and understood by this group of 12 people who didn’t even know who she was 10 days ago.”
