Facts

In 2005, defendant Fredrick Benson, M.D.'s fish tank, located in an office adjacent to offices insured by plaintiff Dentists Insurance Company, caused a fire that ignited the insureds' office sprinklers and subjected the property to water damage. Dentists Insurance filed a subrogation claim for negligence maintenance.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
The plaintiff contended that defendant failed to properly assemble and care for the fish tank.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
The defendant contended that he did not cause the fire and that the fire's origin was never determined.

Settlement Discussions

The plaintiff demanded $85,000 and defendant offered $25,000.

Injuries

The plaintiff claimed $160,000 for cost of repair.

Result

The jury found in favor of the defense.

Other Information

INSURER: State Farm for defendant.

Deliberation

four hours

Poll

12-0 (negligence)

Length

four days