On September 15, Nilan Johnson Lewis (NJL) lawyers, Scott Rusert and Jen Cornell, obtained a resounding defense verdict for their clients from a Washington County jury on a landlord-tenant dispute involving a claim for breach of habitability, along with claims for negligence and unjust enrichment.  The case involved allegations of mold in the home.  The plaintiffs were seeking a return of all rent paid, personal injury damages, and attorneys’ fees.

NJL took over the case near the eve of trial, after an unsuccessful mediation.  Looking for fresh representation, the defendants turned to NJL to fight for them.

After a four-day trial, Rusert and Cornell successfully moved for judgment as a matter of law dismissing the negligence and unjust enrichment claims; leaving only the breach of habitability claim for the jury.  After just over an hour of deliberation, the jury returned a complete defense verdict.

The successful outcome is an example of NJL’s promise of excellence in practice.  It was a true team effort involving a combination of courtroom expertise from trial lawyers Rusert (Board Certified Civil Trial Specialist) and Cornell and subject matter expertise from NJL business and real estate attorney, Zach Crain.