Defense Verdict for Utility Company Client in Two-Week Jury Trial
Secured a defense verdict for a utility client after a two-week jury trial in Johnson County, Missouri. The plaintiffs alleged that their house and personal belongings were destroyed by a fire they claimed was caused by our client. They also claimed our client failed to timely respond after being notified of electrical issues at the house. The incident occurred during a major winter storm event that impacted the entirety of our client’s service area. Plaintiffs initially asserted claims for negligence and recklessness, and violations of the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act (MMPA), seeking more than $650,000 in compensatory damages. They also sought punitive damages and told the jury during voir dire that they intended to ask for $20-30 million. After six years of litigation and a two-week trial, the jury deliberated for about an hour before finding entirely in favor of our client.
