Automobile Manufacturer Defeats Fraud Claim in Los Angeles Trial
March 21, 2019 (Los Angeles, CA) – After a two and a half week trial in Los Angeles Superior Court, Hawkins Parnell & Young obtained an extremely favorable verdict for a major automobile manufacturer defendant. Plaintiffs filed a suit for fraud and breaches of the express and implied warranties. The jury found unanimously for the defendant on two of the allegations, including the fraud claim for which Plaintiffs sought punitive damages. The jury awarded a modest amount on the remaining claim, which was a fraction of the last pretrial demand.
Plaintiffs alleged the breach of express and implied warranty arose from a defect in their vehicle, substantially impairing its use, value, or safety. Additionally, they alleged the manufacturer concealed a known defect, which exposed the company to punitive damages. The defense countered and successfully moved to exclude Plaintiffs’ expert on fraud. Throughout trial, the defense was able to counter each of Plaintiffs’ allegations regarding the concealment and demonstrate to the jury that there was no intent to deceive Plaintiffs.
Plaintiffs were represented by Knight Law Group LLP and Wirtz Law. Plaintiffs’ expert at trial was Anthony G. Micale, MBSE, MBA. Testifying for the defense was Jason Arst, an automotive engineering expert.