Helen Turley, John Wetlaufer v. Bryant Family Vineyard Ltd.
Published: Aug. 3, 2004 | Result Date: Mar. 11, 2004 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: 26193736 Verdict – $255,421
Judge
Court
Napa Superior
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
Facts
The plaintiff, HMT & Associates headed by Helen Turley, was engaged by defendant Bryant Family Vineyards Ltd., to provide consulting services regarding defendant's vineyard and winemaking operations in Napa Valley. Helen Turley had worked for Bryant Family Vineyard Ltd. since 1993. The plaintiff claimed that on Dec. 28, 2001, the parties entered into an oral agreement whereby the existing relationship for consulting winemaking services was extended for a fixed term of three years at $250,000 per year. The defendant denied that a fixed term was agreed to and that the relationship remained terminable at will with only a change as to the rate of compensation. Subsequently, a disagreement arose between the parties as to the operational and financial control and authority of plaintiff over defendant's operations. HMT asserted by letter dated Sep. 30, 2002, that the relationship should terminate if defendant did not recognize this authority and control. On Oct. 16, 2002, the defendant wrote a letter to HMT stating that plaintiff's assertions were a breach of an essential term of the understanding between the parties, thereby terminating the relationship. HMT sued Bryant Family Vineyards Ltd. alleging breach of contract contending that its agreement still had two years and two months remaining. Bryant Family Vineyard contended there had never been an agreement for a three-year term, but if there was such a contract, plaintiff's actions amounted to a breach excusing Bryant Family Vineyard from any performance.
Settlement Discussions
The plaintiffs demanded $250,000.
Damages
The plaintiffs claimed damages of $555,421 for the remainder of the contract still owed by Bryant Family Vineyard.
Result
The jury found for HMT on the breach of contract but found that HMT had failed to mitigate its damages. The verdict after reduction for mitigation was $255,421.
Deliberation
seven hours
Poll
10-2
Length
12 days
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