Calif. Court Affirms $72,000 Award of Costs and Fees to John Crane

SAN FRANCISCO -- A California appellate court has affirmed an award of $72,000 in costs and fees to John Crane, rejecting the plaintiff's contention that a prior settlement offer was invalid. Peterson v. John Crane, et al., No. A115079 (Calif. 1st Dist. Ct. App., Div. 5).

In the Aug. 23 decision, the First District Court of Appeal found that for the purposes of a settlement offer under California Code of Civil Procedure section 998, a plaintiff cannot be considered three separate entities even if the plaintiff asserts claims in different capacities.

The lawsuit was filed by Gloria and John …