This is the property of the Daily Journal Corporation and fully protected by copyright. It is made available only to Daily Journal subscribers for personal or collaborative purposes and may not be distributed, reproduced, modified, stored or transferred without written permission. Please click "Reprint" to order presentation-ready copies to distribute to clients or use in commercial marketing materials or for permission to post on a website. and copyright (showing year of publication) at the bottom.

Contracts
Breach of Contract
Fraud

National RV Inc. v. Crane Co. Inc.

Published: Apr. 5, 2008 | Result Date: Feb. 26, 2008 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: EDCV06-00803 Verdict –  $3,100,000

Court

USDC Central


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Matthew Kline

Robert C. Welsh

Daniel M. Petrocelli
(O'Melveny & Myers LLP)


Defendant

Alexander G. Calfo
(King & Spalding LLP)

Sean Topp

James J. Yukevich
(Yukevich Cavanaugh)


Facts

Perris-based plaintiff, recreational vehicle company National RV Inc., brought suit against Illinois-based defendant manufacturer, Crane Composites Inc., contending defendant manufactured faulty sidewalls that "caved in" 73 of the company's motor homes. Plaintiff contended these faulty sidewalls hurt the company's bottom line and was a reason in their filing for bankruptcy last year. Plaintiff brought suit for fraud, breach of contract and other claims. Defendant denied plaintiff's allegations and contended they did not create plaintiff's financial difficulties.

Damages

Plaintiff sought $28 million in compensatory damages and millions more in punitives.

Result

$3.1 million in compensatory damages, and no interest. The federal court jury found that defendant breached its warranties in marketing the defective sidewalls that damaged the motor homes. The jury found defendant did not breach its contract or commit fraud however. The jurors declined to award punitive damages.

Deliberation

2.5 days

Length

four weeks


#125261

For reprint rights or to order a copy of your photo:

Email jeremy@reprintpros.com for prices.
Direct dial: 949-702-5390