Facts

Plaintiff, an adult with bipolar disorder, purchased a vehicle from Defendant's dealership but returned it soon after due to its cost. Instead of refunding Plaintiff's money, the dealership applied a credit toward another cheaper vehicle. Plaintiff agreed to take that second vehicle, but then returned it and demanded his money back four months later. When Defendants refused, Plaintiff sued for violations of the Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act and the Elder Abuse Act.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Plaintiff contended that Defendants should not have sold the car given Plaintiff's limited income. Plaintiff further contended that Defendants should have refunded the money and that the second sale was more than the advertised price.

DEFENDANTS' CONTENTIONS:
Defendant contended that Plaintiff returned the second car after driving it 1500 miles and that no explanation was given for the return. Defendant further contended that Plaintiff had the mental capacity to understand the nature of the transaction.

Result

After the defendants were found joint and severally liable, and prior to a hearing on punitive damages, the parties agreed to a settlement in the amount of $300,000.

Deliberation

three hours

Length

four days