Gray•Duffy, LLP Obtains Unanimous Jury Verdict in Favor of Client Related to a $2.3M Fire Damage Claim

October 2022

Following a three-week jury trial, Gray•Duffy, LLP secured a complete defense verdict on September 30, 2022, for Eurocon Group Inc., a Los Angeles-based construction company, in a subrogation claim brought by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company (“Nationwide”). In the action, Nationwide claimed Eurocon Group failed to evaluate and address dangerous conditions of a water heater during a 2012 remodel of the policyholder’s restaurant. This allegedly led to a May 2016 fire which caused Nationwide’s policyholder to incur property damage and related damage in the amount of $2.3 million. Managing Partner Michael Eisenbaum and Partner Michelle MacDonald represented Eurocon Group in the Orange County Superior Court.  

“Despite Nationwide’s attempts to place blame on Eurocon Group for the fire, we were able to convincingly prove through expert testimony and other evidence that our client met the standard of care during the remodel,” commented Eisenbaum. “We appreciate the jury saw through the plaintiff’s baseless claims and returned a swift 12-0 verdict finding that our client was not negligent.” 

The case is Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company v. Eurocon Group, Inc., Water Heating Technologies Corporation dba American Standard, Calentadores de América S.A. de C.V., et al. Gray•Duffy also recovered approximately $70,000 in attorneys’ fees incurred in defending against the lawsuit. The Plaintiff will not be appealing.

Please Note: This article is necessarily general in nature and is not a substitute for legal advice with respect to any particular case. Readers should consult with an attorney before taking any action affecting their interests.