Guzzetti Obtains Directed Verdict for Property Management Company

Attorney Stephen Guzzetti recently obtained a directed verdict on behalf of a property management company in a jury trial in the Court of Common Pleas of Butler County. The Plaintiff alleged that the Defendant acted in a capricious and bad faith manner by singling him out for fines for violations of the covenants and restrictions of his community. The Plaintiff requested relief from several thousand dollars in fines, as well as an award of punitive damages. At the close of evidence, Defendant moved for a directed verdict on grounds that the Plaintiff had failed to establish facts sufficient for any reasonable jury to find in Plaintiff’s favor on any of the essential elements of plaintiff’s case, including that the Defendant breached a duty to Plaintiff and caused the harm alleged. The Court agreed and directed that the verdict be entered in favor of the Defendant.