Facts

In 2001, plaintiff Paul Kunysz IV entered into an agreement to remodel a residential property owned by defendant Stephen Sandler. Kunysz was hired after Sandler had fired his previous two contractors. Sandler asked Kunysz to testify in court that the work he performed was to correct the work by the previous contractors, but Kunysz refused. Subsequently, Sandler informed a number of Laguna Beach residents that Kunysz had built homes without the proper permits and of poor quality.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Kunysz contended that Sandler began defaming him after he refused to testify on behalf of Sandler.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
Sandler countered that his allegations concerning Kunysz were true.

Damages

Kunysz sought unspecified compensatory and punitive damages.

Result

The jury found in favor of Kunysz in the amount of $300,000. The award consisted of $125,000 in punitive damages and $175,000 in compensatory damages.

Deliberation

nine hours

Length

seven days