Facts

Plaintiff Hee Joo Lee owned a condominium unit on Wilshire Blvd in Los Angeles. Defendants Hyon Park and Andria Park owned the condominium above plaintiff's unit. On Dec. 12, 2005, defendant Jonathon Kang, who was an unlicensed contractor hired to work for defendants was working on the Parks' unit.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
The plaintiff contended that defendant Kang and his employees caused a sprinkler head or pipe to break, causing a major flood in plaintiff's condo. The plaintiff's unit sustained extensive damages to the walls, windows, cabinets, and floor, carpeting and other fixtures. The plaintiff claimed much of his personal property was destroyed as well. He was forced to vacate his unit for several weeks while reconstruction of the unit took place.

DEFENDANTS' CONTENTIONS:
Defendants Park cross-claimed against defendant Kang for negligence. Defendants Park sought damages for the damages to their unit and indemnity caused to plaintiff's unit.

Damages

The plaintiff sought $260,000 in damages.

Result

The court awarded plaintiff $135,426 against defendants. The court awarded defendants Park $56,154 against defendant Kang and ordered that defendants Park were entitled to indemnity and contribution against defendant Kang, who was not present at trial, for sums paid to plaintiff.

Other Information

FILING DATE: July 10, 2006.