A federal judge in Florida has refused to dismantle a staggering jury award against Tesla, ruling that the evidence presented at trial “more than supports” the conclusion that the company’s Autopilot system played a role in a deadly 2019 crash.
In a sharply worded order Friday, U.S. District Judge Beth Bloom denied Tesla’s request for judgment as a matter of law or, alternatively, a new trial. The case stems from a crash in Key Largo that killed 22-year-old Naibel Benavides Leon.
The Tesla $243M Autopilot Verdict now remains intact — a courtroom reckoning that echoes far beyond a single stretch of Florida highway.
Judge: Arguments Already Rejected
Judge Bloom described Tesla’s motion as a replay of arguments previously raised and dismissed, both during trial and in summary judgment briefings.
“The grounds for relief that Tesla relies upon are virtually the same” as those already considered and rejected, Bloom wrote, adding that the automaker presented no new controlling law or persuasive argument that would justify overturning the jury’s findings.
Her ruling effectively cements the August verdict delivered by a Miami jury after a three-week trial.
