Jurimatic: Verdicts and Settlements

On April 24, 2025, a jury found in favor of Wilbur-Ellis Company LLC in its lawsuit against former employee Cody Downing. The court determined that Downing willfully and maliciously misappropriated trade secrets in violation of the Defend Trade Secrets Act (DTSA). Evidence showed that while still employed, Downing took confidential customer data, attended secret meetings, and promoted competitor Simplot’s services. The jury awarded Wilbur-Ellis $132,000 in exemplary damages, reflecting the serious harm and deliberate nature of Downing’s actions. The verdict affirmed Wilbur-Ellis’s claims and ended the case in their favor.

High Society Management, LLC prevailed in a multi-claim lawsuit against Pro Airways, LLC and its principal, Ryan Staszko, over unauthorized credit card charges and contract violations. The dispute stemmed from a terminated aircraft management agreement and charges made on a company card months after contract expiration. On January 29, 2025, a Miami-Dade jury found Pro Airways liable for conversion, civil theft, breach of contract, and FDUTPA violations, awarding more than $300,000 in total damages. The jury also found Staszko personally liable for breaching fiduciary duties and committing constructive fraud.

On January 23, a jury found in favor of Nathanael Paul Jones and American Merchandising Specialists, Inc., ruling they were not liable for Grace A. Henderson’s injuries from a 2016 car crash. Henderson was awarded no damages, and her claims were dismissed, ending the case for the defense.

A Pittsburgh jury awarded $4,365 to landlord Dwayne Kirkland in a lease dispute and granted him legal possession of the property.

On February 27, 2025, a Connecticut jury ruled for 177 Main Norwalk LLC in a slip-and-fall case filed by Evelin Luna. She claimed injuries from untreated ice at 117 Main Street. The jury found no negligence despite a known defect. No damages were awarded. Luna was represented by Michael E. Skiber; the defense by Esty & Buckmir LLC.

LIDHAR Development LLC pursues injunctive relief in dispute with SOUTHWIND Gardens over property contract breach.

Jury finds jail officials liable for inmate suicide; $4M awarded to estate, total liability expected to reach $7M.

Jury finds Naugatuck officer and borough liable; Plaintiff awarded $36K in crash case.

Jury rejects ownership, fraud, and ejectment claims in Miami barbershop business dispute.

A Miami-Dade jury awarded $6,000 to DOMUS in a negligence case against Coral Gate West Condo Association over disputed fees and lost rent.

A jury awarded Gregory McKnight and Maureen Brown $10.99 million in their negligent entrustment lawsuit against Adventure Center, LLC.

A Miami jury denied damages to Henry and Rosa Pena, finding no storm-related loss during their insurance policy period.