County of San Diego v. RanchoVista Del Mar (De La Fuente)

A $55,000,000.00 verdict at the first trial which was the largest condemnation verdict in the history of the state at that time. Ordered on appeal for retrial, the case eventually settled for $40,000,000.00.

Facts and Background:
This jury trial lasted three weeks and involved the condemnation of 550 acres of land near the Mexican border. The case was tried by partners Michael T. Thorsnes and Vincent J. Bartolotta, Jr. Against a County appraisal of $5.8 Million, a verdict of $55,000,000 was secured, the largest condemnation verdict in the history of the state at that time. The court ordered a remittitur of $22,000,000 which was declined, although we were successful in increasing the deposit to that amount, thereafter securing its release. The Court of Appeal sustained the granting of a new trial. See County of San Diego v. Rancho Vista Del Mar, Inc. 16 Cal.App.4th 1046 (1993). The matter was set for retrial and subsequently settled for $40,000,000 in spite of a new County appraisal of $6.2 Million (Hon. J. Lawrence Irving, Retired).

Notes:
The matter was set for retrial and subsequently settled for $40,000,000 in spite of a new County appraisal of $6.2 Million (Hon. J. Lawrence Irving, Retired).

Settlement Amount: $40,000,000.00 after set for retrial

Verdict or Award: $55,000,000.00 at first trial

Other Verdict Details: See County of San Diego v. Rancho Vista Del Mar, Inc. 16 Cal.App.4th 1046 (1993)

Length of Trial: Three weeks

Post Trial Motions and Post Verdict Settlements: The Court of Appeal sustained the granting of a new trial.

Attorney for client: Michael T. Thorsnes and Vincent J. Bartolotta, Jr.

Attorney for defendant: Ron Endeman, Esq. and Tom Sharkey, Esq., San Diego, CA

Individual Defendants:
A $55,000,000.00 verdict at the first trial which was the largest condemnation verdict in the history of the state at that time. Ordered on appeal for retrial, the case eventually settled for $40,000,000.00.