Ill. Appellate Court Affirms Inconsistent Verdicts on Fraud Claims

ELGIN, Ill. - The Appellate Court of Illinois held on Oct. 19 that a trial judge ruling on a statutory fraud claim can reach a defense verdict despite a jury verdict for plaintiffs on common-law fraud that relied on the same facts in a simultaneous trial. Werderman v. Liberty Ventures LLC, et al., No. 2-05-1073 and 2-06-0036 (Ill. App. Ct., 2nd Dist.).

But despite affirming the ruling against home buyers on their Consumer Fraud Act claim, the appellate court said the trial court erred in denying plaintiffs' motion for attorneys' fees and costs and reversed for further consideration of that …