Goodman v. Neutra
Gary and Rhonda Goodman (the Goodmans) are keenly interested in
mid-century modern architecture and hired Dion Neutra (Neutra) to design a custom home for them. Richard Neutra (Neutra’s deceased father) is their favorite architect. The Goodmans bought a vacant lot in San Clemente and contacted Neutra, who was continuing his father’s architectural practice. All did not proceed as planned, and the parties ended up filing lawsuits against each other.
The jury awarded the Goodmans $100,000 on their professional negligence claim but found in favor of Neutra on the other causes of action. The jury also awarded Neutra $30,000 on his cross-complaint for breach of contract. The trial judge declared Neutra the prevailing party on the contract and awarded him attorney fees. The final judgment awarded the Goodmans $100,000 plus their costs, but this amount was offset by the $30,000 awarded Neutra plus his attorney fees and costs. The net result was a judgment ordering Neutra to pay the Goodmans $27,626.92, which he paid in full.
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