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Torts
Malicious Prosecution
Damages

The Fairchild Corporation v. Ronald A. Wheeler and John B. Taylor

Published: Apr. 4, 1998 | Result Date: Nov. 5, 1997 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: BC118345 Verdict –  $0

Judge

Ann Kough

Court

L.A. Superior Central


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Stacey R. Turner

C. Forrest Bannan


Defendant

Terry M. Giles

Alton G. Burkhalter
(Burkhalter, Kessler, Clement & George LLP)


Facts

The defendants, Roland Wheeler and John Taylor, a client and his attorney, brought an underlying lawsuit against the plaintiffs regarding ownership of certain patents. The plaintiffs, The Fairchild Corporation, Fairchild Industries Inc. and VSI Corporation then brought this malicious prosecution action against the defendants. The plaintiffs contended that the defendants lacked probable cause and were malicious in filing the underlying lawsuit. The defendants contended that they had probable cause; and that the defendant client was entitled to rely on the advise of his attorney.

Settlement Discussions

No settlement discussions took place.

Damages

The plaintiffs claimed over $150,000 in damages.

Other Information

The verdict was reached approximately one year and 11 months after the case was filed.

Deliberation

1½ days

Poll

12-0

Length

one week


#113986

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