Facts

On May 20, 2012, Plaintiff Leigh Erin Connealy, M.D., attended a hands-on, educational seminar conducted by defendant Robert Marshall 's employees, defendants Matthew Storey, Christopher Patterson, and Cory Hillis. The seminar, which was held at plaintiff's office, allegedly required all participants to remove their valuables. Plaintiff removed her diamond engagement and wedding rings. After the seminar concluded, her rings could not be located.

Plaintiff sued defendants including Marshall's businesses Quantum Nutrition Labs, Premiere Research Labs, and Quantum Health Systems.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Plaintiff contended that defendants impliedly agreed to safeguard her ring, which created an implied bailment. Plaintiff further contended that such bailment was for hire because defendant demonstrators were present to demonstrate a product that they hoped the doctor would purchase to use in her practice.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
Defendants maintained that they did not agree to undertake the safeguarding of the valuables, and did not even observe the ring in question, and therefore no bailment was created.

Damages

Plaintiff's expert testified that the ring in question was worth between $94,000 and $97,000. Defendants' expert valued the ring at between $28,000-$34,000.

Result

Verdict for defendants. The jury found 12-0 that no bailment was created.

Other Information

FILING DATE: Oct. 2, 2012.

Deliberation

35 minutes

Poll

12-0 (formation of implied bailment)

Length

3.5 days