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Breach of Contract
Promissory Estoppel
Premises Liability

Hahn Nguyen v. AKHI Investments, Inc. dba The Red Lion

Published: Jun. 28, 1997 | Result Date: Feb. 6, 1997 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: 96CV236 Verdict –  $17,001

Judge

Robert R. Fullerton

Court

Denver District


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Walter F. Bradley


Defendant

Barbara A. Duff

Laurie M. Hawley


Experts

Plaintiff

William F. Blake
(technical)

Defendant

A. Dale Wunderlich
(technical)

Facts

On Aug 2, 1995, plaintiff Hahn Nguyen, a student, drove her rented U-Haul truck on her way from California to Denver, where she planned to attend the University of Denver Law School. The plaintiff checked in to the defendant's Red Lion Hotel and parked the truck, loaded with her belongings, in the defendant's parking lot. The desk clerk indicated that The Red Lion Hotel parking lot had 24-hour security. Early in the morning on Aug. 3, 1995, the U-Haul truck, filled with the plaintiff's personal possessions, was stolen from the parking lot of The Red Lion Hotel. The plaintiff brought this action against the defendant based on premises liability, breach of contract and promissory estoppel theories of recovery.

Settlement Discussions

The plaintiff made a settlement demand for $65,000. The defendant made no settlement offer.

Damages

The plaintiff claimed $65,000 in damages for loss of personal property, deferred enrollment in law school and expenses incurred in moving back to California.

Other Information

The verdict was reached approximately one year and one month after the case was filed. The court dismissed the plaintiff's claim for exemplary damages and for damages related to emotional distress. Before trial, the court granted the defendant's motion for summary judgment on the plaintiff's claims for deceptive trade practices, bailment and equitable estoppel.

Deliberation

4 hours

Poll

____-_____ (#s pls.)

Length

3 days


#83527

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