Michael Cunningham, as Executor of the Estate of Marti Breit v. Jeffrey E. Breit


Case Name:Michael Cunningham, as Executor of the Estate of Marti Breit v. Jeffrey E. Breit
Case Number:LACL159044
Date of Trial:09/22/2025
Venue:
Polk County
Casetype/Claims:CIVIL LAW - WRONGFUL DEATH

Judge:Hon. Sarah Crane

Plaintiff's Counsel:Benjamin Granfield Arato, Brian James Lalor, Steven Peter Wandro Defendant's Counsel:Jeffrey Paul Schultz, Louis R. Hockenberg, Hannah Mae Ladd

Verdict:Vehicle Damage:
Past Medical Expenses:
Future Medical Expenses:
Loss of Time – Earnings:
Loss of Future Earning Capacity:
Loss of Full Mind and Body – Past:
Loss of Full Mind and Body – Future:
Physical and Mental Pain and Suffering – Past:
Physical and Mental Pain and Suffering – Future:
Spousal Consortium:
Parental Consortium:

Other—Breach of Fiduciary Duty: $18,399.88
Other—Conversion: $89,451.96

TOTAL DAMAGES:

Comparative Fault: ☒Decedent was found to be over 50% liable for her own death.

TOTAL REDUCED BY COMPARITIVE FAULT: No damages awarded for negligence due to Decedent’s comparative fault.

Demand Before Trial:
Offer Before Trial:

Statement of Case:
On June 11, 2022, Marti Breit was found deceased in her home in West Des Moines, Iowa. At the time of her death, she was married to Jeffrey Breit. The estate of Marti Briet alleges that Jeff was negligent and that his negligence cause Marti Breit’s death. The Estate also alleges Jeff violated his fiduciary duties to the Estate while he was serving as Executor. The Defense denies these claims.

Injuries alleged:Death

Official Jury Verdict Form:
LACL159044 verdict.PDFLACL159044 verdict.PDF

Documents of interest:
(when available)
LACL159044 jury instructions.PDFLACL159044 jury instructions.PDF

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