Gray•Duffy, LLP Secures Unanimous Jury Verdict in Favor of Client Related to a $1.885M Fire Damage Claim

October 2023

Following a three-week jury trial, Gray•Duffy, LLP secured a complete defense verdict for American Plumbing, Inc. in a subrogation claim brought by State Farm General Insurance Company. In the action, State Farm alleged American Plumbing’s installation of a water heater in a Laguna Beach residential property caused a fire resulting in nearly $2 million of damage. After hearing the arguments and evidence presented, including expert witness testimony by mechanical engineers, origin and cause experts, and plumbing contractor experts, the jury returned a verdict in under two hours finding that American Plumbing was not negligent in its installation of the water heater nor did its installation cause the fire. Managing Partner Michael Eisenbaum represented American Plumbing in the Superior Court of Orange County.

Prior to trial, the Plaintiff’s final demand was $1,000,000. Gray•Duffy’s client’s best offer was $100,000, and had previously served Plaintiff with a CCP Section 998. Final judgment against Plaintiff for $116,000 in attorneys fees.

The case is State Farm General Insurance Company vs. American Plumbing, Inc.

“We could not have asked for better representation in our case. [Michael] Eisenbaum and his team were so prepared and ready to tackle this challenge. His ability to communicate and articulate his thoughts to the jury through asking poignant questions was no accident. Mr. Eisenbaum had done his research and I felt like he genuinely cared about us personally and our company. I’m obviously relieved with the outcome, but truly believe it was greatly associated with Mr. Eisenbaum’s hard work.”

– Rich Mckeown, CEO
American Plumbing Inc.

“I wanted to express my commendation for the exceptional handling of our lawsuit by Gray Duffy LLP. Over the past two years, Gray Duffy demonstrated unwavering dedication to our case, resulting in a positive outcome for us. I had the privilege of sitting next to Mr. Eisenbaum every day in court and personally witnessing his clear and precise execution of the case strategy. It was evident to me that he genuinely cared about me and our family business. I am deeply grateful for Mr. Eisenbaum and his dedicated team.”

– Matt Mckeown, Owner
American Plumbing Inc.

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.