West American Insurance Co. v. Freeman/Freeman v. West American Insurance Co., 360329, Judge Judith Kozloski, jury trial, Department 10.

Issue: Whether West American Insurance Co. is entitled to reimbursement of indemnification expenditures and defense costs incurred by the company on behalf of policyholder Mark Freeman in an underlying action; and in a cross complaint, whether West American is liable to Freeman, a contractor, for damages relating to economic duress and whether West American acted towards Freeman with oppression, malice or fraud.

Verdict: On Aug. 20 the jury found for Freeman on his cross complaint, awarding $13,316,000, which includes $12 million in punitive damages. On Sept. 7 Judge Kozloski ordered judgement on the verdict and decreed that West American is not entitled to reimbursement of any portion of the amounts it sought in the action.

For cross complaint, Mark R. Freeman: Stephen R. Pappas, co-counsel.

Duchin v. Duchin, et al: Represented prevailing plaintiff in breech of contract. Action involving "piercing the corporate veil." Result: Judgement in favor of plaintiff for substantial damages.

McDonald v. Heady, et al:

Represented prevailing plaintiff in action for intentional infliction of emotional distress involving unwarranted telephone calls and letters to plaintiff's employer and home.

Result:

Judgement in favor of plaintiff for substantial damages.