Calif. Court Affirms Award to Condo Owner Who Partially Settled Pre-Trial

SANTA ANA, Calif. -- A California appellate panel on March 21 affirmed an award of attorneys' fees to a condo owner who was found to be the prevailing party despite accepting a partial pre-trial settlement and being awarded only $6,400 in a jury verdict. Arias v. Katella Townhouse Homeowners Association Inc., No. G033761 (Calif. App., 4th Dist.).

California's 4th Appellate District affirmed the $98,777.50 fee award to Marina Arias, ruling that the trial court could consider pre-judgment payments of $88,939.75 from her condo association in addition to the trial judgment.

Arias initially complained that the Katella Townhouse Homeowners Association …