STATE FARM LLOYDS INSURANCE AS SUBROGEE v. RICARDO LOPEZ, INDIVIDUALLY and D/B/A LOPEZ MASONRY

Mar 28, 2016

OUTCOME: Defense verdict

During the week of March 28, 2016, Attorneys Bryan Reese and Frank Catalano successfully defended their client, Lopez Masonry in a multi-million dollar subrogation lawsuit filed by State Farm Insuranc ... e Company in Tarrant County District Court arising from a fire which rendered a residence in Southlake, Texas a total loss. State Farm was attempting to recover $1,600.000.00 in insurance proceeds it had paid to its insured homeowner for the loss. Specifically, State Farm alleged that Lopez Masonry had left a large gap near the opening of the outdoor fireplace during the original construction resulting in a false chimney that caused the fire and the $1.6M in damages. Despite these allegations by State Farm, the jury found 50% responsibility on the general contractor Swift Custom Homes, Inc. as well as 40% on the City of Southlake due to the multiple building code inspections that occurred at the property during construction. Lopez Masonry was found only 10% responsible. In addition, Lopez received a settlement credit from a codefendant who had settled earlier in the litigation and prior to trial.