MLR's most recent trial is an excellent example of the type of complex extracontractual trial work we do best. Known as the "Terwilliger Landslide Cases," these two trials, tried back-to-back in April and May 2010, involved a house which, due to saturated soils, slid down a steep slope into several houses below. The two primary houses involved in the landslide were insured by the same company, who denied the insurance claim based upon several exclusions, including those for earth movement, soil conditions, water damage, and collapse. The policyholders filed two separate lawsuits soon after their claims were denied, alleging millions of dollars in extracontractual damages, policy limits, tort claims against the carrier, and tort claims against the insurance agent. MLR defended both lawsuits. Through several rounds of pretrial motions, the tort claims and extracontractual damages were dismissed on the eve of trial, leaving only the breach of contract claims remaining for trial. Following the two jury trials, which involved extensive expert and lay witness testimony regarding the cause of the landslide, a complete defense verdict was obtained in the first case, and $40,000 returned in the second case -- a mere fraction of the amount that went to the jury. Click HERE for more details*.

*Every case is different, and prior results should not create an expectation about results in an individual case.