November 07, 2005
BAD FAITH VERDICT AGAINST INSURANCE COMPANY IN THE FIRST OCTOBER 2003 WILDFIRE TRIAL
Punitive Damage Phase of Trial to Begin November 8, 2005
WHAT: October 2003 Wildfire victims Larry Stone and his wife Linda Della Pelle are the first of all the 2003 wildfire victims to have their day in court and the jury has decided overwhelmingly that Fidelity National Insurance Company has acted in bad faith in the handling of their claim. The jury decided that Fidelity National Insurance Company acted with Malice, Oppression and Fraud by engaging in a practice of low-balling in an attempt to capitalize on the Stones' vulnerability. The jury's finding of Malice, Oppression and Fraud moves the case into the punishment phase of the trial.
Plaintiffs' attorney Ricardo Echeverria is expected to present witnesses to the jury, who will testify as to Fidelity National Insurance Company's financial condition for their consideration.
Attorney Echeverria will be available for comment after the day's proceedings.
WHEN: 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 8, 2005
WHERE: Los Angeles County Superior Court, Pomona Court House, 400 Civic Center Drive, Pomona; Dept. G
WHO: Plaintiffs' Attorney: Ricardo Echeverria, Shernoff Bidart & Darras LLP Plaintiffs: Larry Stone & Linda Della Pelle
Media Contact: Jason Sanchez 909-730-2300 Mobile jsanchez@sbd-law.com www.sbd-law.com/press_room.php
