Alejandro Angulo of Rutan & Tucker successfully defended the seller of a high-end residence against claims of intentionally and negligently concealing and failing to disclose material information about the home to the buyers. After purchasing the client’s residence for over $2.2 million, the plaintiffs sued the client, the client’s real estate agent, their own real estate agent and the broker involved in the transaction. The plaintiffs alleged claims for fraud, negligent misrepresentation and negligence against all of the defendants. In addition, the plaintiffs alleged a claim for breach of contract against the client. In support of their claims, the plaintiffs alleged, among other things, that the client had misrepresented the capacity of the property’s boat dock and failed to disclose alleged long-term water intrusion problems, remodeling work performed without necessary permits, and the existence of an easement affecting the property. Shortly before trial, the real estate agents and broker — who were not represented by Rutan & Tucker — settled out of the case. Attorney Angulo successfully disputed the plaintiffs’ claims during the ensuing three-week jury trial. At the end of the trial, the plaintiffs asked the jury for a damages award against the client in excess of $500,000 and for a finding entitling the plaintiffs to punitive damages. After hearing all of the evidence, the jury required only four hours before deciding that the Plaintiffs were not entitled to any compensation whatsoever. As a result of the jury’s verdict, the trial court entered a judgment favor of Rutan & Tucker’s client.
