Facts

Barry and Linda O'Brien lived next to property owned by Masterpiece Properties LLC, Sharlana Farms Inc., and Sharon Blake (collectively defendants). Defendants' property contained a number of horses. The O'Briens sued the defendants claiming several causes of action generally consisting of nuisance per se claims for violations of county ordinances.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Plaintiffs contended that the defendants operated an illegal horse boarding and sales business, caused pollution runoff via illegal grading, and failed to use a proper septic disposal.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
The defendants argued that they did not operate a business on the property, complied with the county's codes, and that the plaintiffs harassed them regarding their horses. Based on the numerous complaints plaintiffs had made to government agencies, the county inspected the property multiple times and found on each inspection that defendants had complied with county codes.

Settlement Discussions

The O'Briens demanded $300,000 and the defendants offered $25,000.

Injuries

The plaintiffs claimed in excess of $550,000.

Result

The jury found in favor of the defense.

Other Information

American Banker and Golden Eagle Insurance insured the defendants.

Deliberation

one day

Length

16 days