How Appellate Attorney Lisa Parlagreco Helped Win a $36.5M Verdict with Science, Strategy, and a VHS Tape
- Joe Douglass, 3x Emmy-Nominated Legal Storyteller
- Jun 3
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 4
What happens when a VHS tape and GPS data unravel a massive cover-up? In this episode of the Make Your Case podcast, appellate attorney Lisa Parlagreco walks us through the explosive case that led to a $36.5 million verdict—and the forensic breakthroughs that helped expose the truth.
Hosted by Joe Douglass, this conversation dives deep into:
The high-stakes case of a devastating crash first blamed solely on a teenage girl
How overlooked evidence became the turning point
Lisa’s unique investigative mindset as an appellate lawyer
The role of persistence, technology, and strategy in achieving justice
This is more than a legal podcast—it's a story about truth, determination, and how one lawyer challenged the system.
▶️ Watch the full conversation below:
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The Case That Changed Everything
In 2012, a devastating collision between a school bus and a BMW in Kingston, Massachusetts, left three teenagers severely injured. The driver of the BMW, a teenage girl, pleaded guilty to reckless driving, seemingly bringing the case to a close. However, Lisa Parlagreco saw inconsistencies that others overlooked.
Through meticulous investigation, Parlagreco uncovered critical evidence:
A VHS tape from the bus's onboard camera showed unexplained static leading up to the crash.
GPS data contradicted the initial narrative, indicating the bus may have veered into the wrong lane.
With the help of forensic experts, Parlagreco demonstrated that the bus driver had a pre-existing shoulder injury, raising questions about her ability to operate the vehicle safely.
These findings led to a dramatic shift in the case, culminating in a $36.5 million verdict in favor of the victims. The case underscored the importance of a comprehensive legal strategy and the significance of forensic evidence in uncovering the truth.
Lisa Parlagreco: An Appellate Attorney Committed to Justice
With over 35 years of legal experience, Lisa Parlagreco specializes in appellate law and has a keen interest in the intersection of law and science. Her dedication to uncovering the truth and challenging systemic issues in the legal system has made her a formidable advocate for justice.
In this episode, Parlagreco shares her insights on:
The dangers of cognitive bias in forensic analysis
The importance of "black box thinking" in legal strategy
Overcoming challenges in high-stakes litigation
