Karen Bailey and Paige Hall – Shelby County, IA
Lawsuit involved an accidental house fire, where plaintiff (landlord) claimed defendant (tenant) was responsible for causing the fire by either improper disposal of cigarettes or improper use of candles. Plaintiff sold house to defendant while the fire investigation was allegedly ongoing and defendant then demolished house to rebuild (prior to deed being signed over). Plaintiff claimed spoliation of evidence at trial. Verdict returned in favor of defendant, saying plaintiff had not met burden of proof on liability.