Payne & Fears LLP Wins Appeal for Orange County Property Owners

Payne & Fears LLP attorneys successfully defended against a challenge to a jury verdict in favor of its clients, two Laguna Beach property owners.  Following a three-week trial, an Orange County jury found that the property owners did not withhold material information from the plaintiffs in connection with the sale of a multimillion dollar property.  The jury also found that the plaintiffs were fully aware of the condition of the property and gave the sellers a full and complete release of all claims.  On appeal, the plaintiffs argued that the trial court improperly submitted the question of the release to the jury and that insufficient evidence existed to support the jury’s verdict.  The Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, rejected these arguments in full and affirmed the jury verdict and trial court’s judgment.  Adding to the victory, Payne & Fears LLP succeeded in obtaining a substantial attorneys’ fees award for its clients encompassing defense costs incurred in the trial court and on appeal.   Daniel M. Livingston handled the jury trial and appeal; Daniel F. Lula assisted on the appeal.