Personal Injury Mastermind - Episode 336: "Pop the Limits: Get to Court Fast & Win Big" with Andy Citron

Release Date: July 3, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 336 of the Personal Injury Mastermind podcast, host Chris Dreyer engages in an insightful conversation with Andy Citron, a seasoned personal injury attorney with nearly four decades of experience. The episode delves into Citron's "Andy Wins Trial Process," a strategic framework designed to accelerate case progression and maximize verdicts in personal injury litigation. This detailed summary captures the essence of their discussion, highlighting key strategies, methodologies, and actionable insights for personal injury attorneys aiming to elevate their practice.

Background of Andy Citron

Andy Citron brings an impressive track record to the table:

• Experience: Nearly 40 years in personal injury law.
• Cases Handled: Over 10,000 clients.
• Recovery Achieved: More than $600 million.
• Recent Success: Secured a $6 million verdict in federal court in Mobile and collaborated with seasoned lawyers like Judge Michael Fondren of Pascagoula.

Notable Quote:
Andy Citron [01:28]:
"We have been on a roll, getting verdicts and staying focused on the craft."

The Andy Wins Trial Process

Citron introduces his proprietary "Andy Wins Trial Process," a system aimed at transforming associates into formidable courtroom advocates and destabilizing insurance companies' defenses.

Key Components of the Process:

1. High Tempo Mindset:

   • Philosophy: "Justice delayed is justice denied. Speed matters." ([B] [03:29])
   • Implementation: Rapid response protocol ensures swift action from the moment a case is taken.

2. TRIAL Acronym:

   • T - 10:
     • Definition: Transform every client into a "10 out of 10"—a reliable and credible plaintiff.
     • Strategy: "You can turn every single client into a 10 if you know how to counsel them." ([B] [07:27])
   • R - Reckless:
     • Focus: Prove the defendant's reckless disregard for safety to establish liability and open doors for punitive damages.
     • Approach: Demonstrate intentional choices leading to injuries.
       "They took a conscious intentional choice. It wasn't an accident." ([B] [07:27])
   • I - Intel:
     • Objective: Identify and exploit the defense's critical vulnerabilities, such as internal communications and corporate negligence.
     • Tactics:
       "Their vulnerabilities are, we go for them." ([B] [09:25])
   • A - ASAP (As Soon As Possible):
     • Action: Expedite all legal processes—from filing suits to trial settings—to maintain momentum and reduce the window for defense strategies to take effect.
     • Quote:
       "We do everything as fast as the law allows because you give them a day, you'll lose a week." ([B] [10:19])
   • L - Limits (Pop the Limits):
     • Goal: Push insurance companies beyond their policy limits by threatening excess judgments.
     • Mechanism:
       "We try to pop limits. This worries insurance." ([B] [15:00])

Notable Quote:
Andy Citron [03:29]:
"File immediately and fight. Go hard and fast until the insurance company does what's right."

Rapid Response Protocol

Citron emphasizes the importance of immediate action upon securing a case. This involves:

• Swift Mobilization:
  "When a big truck case calls, it's like the fireman sliding down the pole. The alarm goes off." ([B] [04:43])

• On-Scene Presence:
  Being present at the accident scene quickly to gather evidence and media coverage, which can apply pressure on insurance companies.

Illustrative Example:
In a triple death case involving an 18-wheeler, Citron's team arrived just an hour and a half post-crash, securing crucial B-roll footage through subpoenas and showcasing the defense attorney’s immediate response, thereby highlighting the insurer's urgency.

Notable Quote:
Andy Citron [04:43]:
"You do not even brush your teeth. You go as fast as you can to the scene."

Transforming Clients into "10s"

Citron discusses the significance of presenting clients as credible and reliable plaintiffs, regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances.

• Client Counseling:
  Guiding clients to adopt a positive mindset, shedding any narratives of victimhood to enhance their credibility in court.

• Ownership of Actions:
  Encouraging clients to acknowledge their faults unrelated to the incident, thereby strengthening the lie of the defense.

Notable Quote:
Andy Citron [07:27]:
"Love, you've got to love our clients so that you can see, yes, they had to face adversity."

Exploiting Defense Vulnerabilities

A critical aspect of the strategy involves uncovering and leveraging the defense's weaknesses.

• Internal Communications:
  Gaining access to defense's internal discussions, emails, and board meetings to find inconsistencies or admissions of negligence.

• Corporate Negligence:
  Demonstrating a pattern of reckless behavior or lack of safety measures within the defendant's organization.

Notable Quote:
Andy Citron [09:25]:
"Their vulnerabilities are, we go for them."

Pushing for Fast Trials

Citron advocates for expediting trial dates to minimize external influences on jurors and maintaining control over the case narrative.

• Efficiency in Legal Processes:
  Ensuring that cases proceed swiftly through filing, discovery, and trial settings to prevent delays that could weaken the case.

• Jury Management:
  Keeping trials concise to avoid juror fatigue and susceptibility to external influences, thereby increasing the likelihood of favorable verdicts.

Notable Quote:
Andy Citron [18:01]:
"They might end up returning a smaller verdict because of those outside influences that can infiltrate and contaminate the legal process."

Incentivizing Performance in the Firm

To cultivate a results-driven culture, Citron implements incentive structures within his firm.

• Verdict Bonuses:
  Lawyers receive bonuses for taking cases to verdict, regardless of the outcome, encouraging adherence to the Andy Wins process.

• Continuous Training:
  New attorneys undergo rigorous training at institutions like Trial Lawyers University to master the techniques essential for success.

Notable Quote:
Andy Citron [17:55]:
"We now pay for verdicts extra. We want to incentivize verdicts."

Conclusion and Call to Action

Andy Citron's Andy Wins Trial Process represents a comprehensive strategy for personal injury attorneys aiming to enhance their litigation outcomes through speed, strategic action, and exploiting defenses' weaknesses. By fostering a high-tempo mindset, transforming client portrayals, and pushing for expedited trials, Citron's methodologies offer a blueprint for achieving substantial verdicts consistently.

Closing Remarks:
Chris Dreyer [19:26]:
"Andy, that was a masterclass of motivation... How can they get in touch?"

Andy Citron [19:47]:
Listeners can reach out via handywins.com or call/text directly at 251-454-0040.

Key Takeaways

• Speed is Crucial: Rapid case handling limits the defense's ability to strategize effectively.

• Client Credibility: Presenting clients as trustworthy and resilient enhances case strength.

• Strategic Exploitation: Identifying and leveraging defense vulnerabilities can lead to higher settlements and verdicts.

• Firm Culture: Incentivizing success within the firm aligns individual goals with the overarching strategy for trial wins.

For those looking to deepen their understanding of successful personal injury litigation strategies, Andy Citron's approach offers actionable insights and proven methodologies to elevate legal practice and achieve remarkable client outcomes.