Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Nevada High Court OKs $1M+ Damage Award To Homeowner Due To Mortgage Company Misidentification Of Home In Foreclosure

In Las Vegas, Nevada, the Las Vegas Review Journal reports:
  • Gerald and Katrina Thitchener lost nearly all their material possessions thanks to an arrogant error by Countrywide Home Loans officials. They weren't just stripped of their furniture and clothing when a mistake by Countrywide in 2002 set in motion a foreclosure procedure that resulted in their condominium being "trashed out."

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  • The Thitcheners lost a lot back in 2002, including some of their faith in the system; but on Thursday the Nevada Supreme Court determined that their losses, and the actions of the mortgage giant, deserved compensation in the approximate amount of $2 million.(1)

For more, see Sometimes little people come out on top against arrogant big shots.

For the Nevada high court decision, see Countrywide Home Loans v. Thitchener, 192 P.3d 243; 2008 Nev. LEXIS 79; 124 Nev. Adv. Rep. 64 (September 11, 2008).

Go here for other posts on foreclosure screw ups involving improperly changed locks, removal of belongings, etc.

(1) A somewhat conflicting report in the Las Vegas Sun says the total compensation was only $1.29 million, which includes $968,070 in punitive damages. For more, see Court reduces $3 million judgment in wrongful foreclosure case. ForeclosureLockOuts