Ron Scoppettone and Winona Scoppettone v. J.R. Crasper, Inc.
Published: Jan. 10, 1998 | Result Date: Oct. 17, 1997 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: C9600330 – $800,000
Judge
Court
Contra Costa Superior
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
Ansel D. Kinney
(Law Offices of Ansel D. Kinney)
Experts
Plaintiff
Richard Avelar
(technical)
William Vaughn
(technical)
Paul Seidelman
(technical)
Leo Reisen
(technical)
Defendant
Ted Hart
(technical)
Jeffrey Beam
(technical)
Jerold D. O'Kelley
(technical)
Steven R. Fisk
(technical)
Gene Webster
(technical)
Facts
In 1991, defendant J.R. Crasper, Inc., a developer, built a 6,000 square foot home, purchased in 1993 by plaintiffs Ron and Winona Scoppettone as the second owners. After moving in, plaintiffs alleged they found numerous construction defects. The plaintiffs brought this action against the developer based on negligence, breach of warranty and fraud theories of recovery. Plaintiffs dismissed their breach of warranty claim and the fraud claim was dismissed pursuant to a motion for nonsuit.
Settlement Discussions
The plaintiff made a settlement demand for $1.09 million. The defendant made an offer of $450,000.
Damages
The plaintiffs asked the jury for $956,000.
Other Information
The verdict was reached approximately one year and 10 months after the case was filed. The verdict was reduced to $699,500 to reflect credits from prior settlements with subcontractors. MEDIATION: Three mediations were held on April 29, July 14 and Sept. 23, 1997, before Tom Castle of John Griffith's office resulting in no settlement.
Deliberation
5+ hours
Poll
12-0 (liability); 11-1 (damages)
Length
11 days
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