Gilfillan Wins Directed Verdict on Behalf of Auto Dealership

After more than two years of litigation, a Quinn Johnston client earned a trial victory when the Tazewell County Circuit Court granted a directed verdict at trial. Quinn Johnston partner, Mitch Gilfillan, represented the local auto dealership before Judge Caroline Borden.

The case involved claims arising out of the sale of a vehicle from the client’s automobile dealership. Throughout the litigation, the plaintiff alleged Quinn Johnston’s client was responsible for mechanical issues that arose after the purchase and purported fraudulent activity. From the outset, Quinn Johsnton maintained that the evidence would show our client acted reasonably, followed standard business practices, and had no knowledge of any latent defect at the time of the sale. With a request for attorney fees and punitive claims, Plaintiff was seeking greater than $50,000 in damages.

Following the presentation of the plaintiff’s evidence at trial, the court agreed that the evidence was legally insufficient and entered a directed verdict in Quinn Johnston’s favor, ending the case without the defense putting on any evidence. A directed verdict is an uncommon result and reflects the court’s determination that, even viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the opposing party, no legally sufficient basis existed for a verdict against the defense.

“We are grateful for our client’s trust throughout these years of litigation and pleased to have achieved this successful outcome,” said Gilfillan.