Novak Obtains Defense Verdict in Jury Trial

Benjamin Novak successfully defended the firm’s client, a municipality, in a 5-day jury trial, culminating with a defense verdict. Plaintiffs in that case alleged that the municipality failed to prevent sinkholes from developing close to their properties. Plaintiffs also claimed that the municipality engaged in construction activities that caused repeated flooding in their properties. More than $800,000 in damages were claimed. Novak demonstrated in cross-examination of the Plaintiffs that they had no proof to corroborate their claims of flooding. Additionally, in response to Novak’s cross examination, the lead Plaintiff admitted that jury could not be assured that his testimony was accurate. Finally, the defense presented expert testimony that the sinkholes were naturally occurring. In the end, the jury returned a unanimous verdict for the firm’s client.