Bergeson, LLP Trial Team Defeats Motion For New Trial And Secures Six-Figure Cost Award For Client

On May 5, 2014, the Court denied Plaintiff’s motion for new trial that followed a favorable jury verdict on behalf of Bergeson, LLP’s client, a petroleum distributor based in Southern California. The Court also heard competing motions to strike or tax costs that were filed by each side. The net result of the Court’s orders on the motions to strike or tax costs is that Plaintiff will owe Bergeson, LLP’s client $115,204.27. The post-trial motions followed a six-week jury trial in Ventura County led by Bergeson, LLP partners Caroline McIntyre, Jay Fowler, and paralegal Jennifer Solis. Plaintiff, based in Ventura County, sued the petroleum distributor in 2008, alleging tort and contract claims based on allegations of price discrepancies, shortages, and late deliveries. Plaintiff sought more than $1.5 million in compensatory damages as well as punitive damages. After deliberations, the jury returned a verdict of only $17,360 in damages.