Duplass Attorneys Philip Watson and Linda Adams Secure Complete Defense Verdict in 15th JDC, Lafayette, Louisiana on Behalf of Developer and Contractor

October 24th, 2023

Plaintiffs alleged that defendants’ drainage trench cut the roots of Plaintiffs’ water oaks, thereby causing the trees to become unstable and necessitating their removal and replacement. Defendants, who were the developer and the developer’s dirt work contractor, took precautions to move the drainage line away from the boundary line where the trees stood, used smaller equipment to cut fewer roots, and explored alternatives to minimize the impact of the trench. Plaintiffs asked for over $300,000 for tree damage, alleged mental anguish, marital discord, and loss of enjoyment of property. Following a short deliberation, the jury found that the defendants exercised reasonable care, and they returned a verdict in defendants’ favor.