GOLDLAW Secures $2.4 Million Jury Verdict for Client Who Suffered Brain Injury After Bar Incident

GOLDLAW Litigation Attorneys Timothy Kenison and Paul McBride secured a $2,406,202.40 jury verdict for client Billy Guinan, who sustained a traumatic brain injury after a bouncer forcibly removed and shoved him outside a Fort Lauderdale bar. 

 Guinan, then 31, had been on a promotional stop for his employer, Boston Beer Co., in the Himmarshee Village bar district in Downtown Fort Lauderdale when a bouncer at Booze Garden removed him and shoved him past the threshold of the door at approximately 2:30 a.m. on November 6, 2021, causing his head to strike the concrete.

He immediately reported having blurred vision, ringing in his ears, brain fog, and headaches. Guinan required nine staples to the top of his head and was immediately diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome, a subsequent diffuse tensor imaging scan confirmed a traumatic brain injury through an abnormality in the right frontal lobe. Surgery in 2024 resolved his double vision, though his tinnitus worsened. His treating neurologist, Carmen Ramirez, M.D., declared that the traumatic brain injury made Guinan more susceptible to dementia. 

The defense argued comparative negligence, citing Guinan's statements to paramedics and a hospital diagnosis of closed head injury. 

The jury found defendants 65% liable and Guinan 35% comparatively negligent, returning a total verdict of $2,406,202.40. GOLDLAW represented Guinan through trial, securing an outcome that reflects the severity of the injuries he sustained and the firm's commitment to pursuing accountability on behalf of injured clients.

“This verdict represents much more than a number,” said Timothy Kenison, civil trial attorney at GOLDLAW. “It reflects that hard work, passion and faith in the judicial system can still result in justice for those who have had life-altering injuries and whose voices cannot easily be heard. Every case is unique, and every client deserves dedicated advocacy, compassion, and a team willing to fight for the justice they deserve. We at GOLDLAW are honored that our client trusted us to stand beside him every step of the way, and now that trust is blossoming into something more: a life-long friendship.” 

“After nearly five years, I’m incredibly grateful that the truth prevailed,” said Guinan “My legal team at GOLDLAW stood by me through every challenge, believed in me when others may not have, and fought relentlessly to make sure my voice was heard. I can never thank them enough for their dedication and friendship. I’m also deeply grateful to the jury for their thoughtful consideration. My hope is that this verdict reinforces the importance of accountability and helps make our community a little safer.”