Anna-Rose Mathieson and a team of lawyers have erased an eight-figure judgment against our client Fidelity National Title Insurance Company, according to a decision issued by the California Court of Appeal last week.

The case arose out of a dispute over insurance coverage for property access rights in a large real estate development in Madera County. CALG was retained to assist with the post-trial motions after the client suffered a complete loss at trial. Working with a team of trial and appellate lawyers, we persuaded the trial judge to order a new trial on damages — eliminating nearly 90% of the jury’s award against our client.

When the other side appealed that reduction in damages, CALG and its co-counsel cross-appealed the finding of liability against our client. After extensive briefing on complex issues involving expert testimony, estoppel, judicial notice, and title insurance law, the Court of Appeal’s Fifth District sided completely with CALG’s client and ordered a new trial on liability along with favorable instructions on remand.

The case is Rio Mesa Holdings LLC v. Fidelity National Title Insurance Company, and the opinion is available by clicking here.