Date: 07-16-1998

Case Style: William R. Powers v. United Services Automobile Association and USAA Casualty Insurance Company

Case Number: A273894

Judge: Myron E. Leavitt

Court: Eighth Judicial District Court, Nevada

Plaintiff's Attorney: Brenske & Christensen, and Raleigh, Hunt & Mcgarry, Las Vegas, Nevada

Defendant's Attorney: Daniel F. Polsenberg of Beckley, Singleton, Jemison & List and Person & Patton. Las Vegas, Nevada. Howard, Moss, Loveder, Strickroth & Walker, Santa Ana, California.

Description: William Powers lived on his boat, the "Mikimbi." On April 28, 1987, en route from Texas to Florida through the Gulf of Mexico, the Mikimbi sank. On May 2, 1987, Powers reported his loss to USAA, his insurer for thirty-five years. After USAA commenced its investigation, it accused Powers of intentionally sinking his own boat. On December 14, 1987, eight months after the Mikimbi snak, USAA denied Powers' claim. In May 1989, USAA instigated criminal charges against Powers for pursuing an allegedly false insurance claim, including wire fraud and mail fraud.

Outcome: Plaintiff's verdict for $397,236.29 and $5 million in punitive damages.

Plaintiff's Experts: Unknown

Defendant's Experts: Unknown

Comments: Affirmed in part, reversed in part and remanded by the Supreme Court of Nevada. See: 962 P.2d 596 (Nev. 1998) The date shown above is the date of the appellate court decision and not the trial date. Reported by kms, verdicts@morelaw.com