Sparks-based company wins award in jury trial
Powell Cabinet & Fixture Co. has won a rare business jury trial in Clark County District Court over work done at the M Resort.
After 13 court days, including one for deliberation, the eight-person jury voted unanimously on Thursday to award Sparks-based Powell the $2.6 million it claimed it was owed by general contractor Marnell Corrao Associates for cabinet work throughout the hotel. The amount represents the gap between Powell's total invoices, which exceeded $13 million, and what it was paid.
In addition, Powell will get unspecified interest plus have its legal fees paid by Marnell Corrao. The case started three years ago.
"We're a small company, so something like this is our life," Powell President William Powell said.
However, he noted, an appeal to the Nevada Supreme Court is likely. District Judge Mark Denton presided over the case. Attorneys for Marnell Corrao could not be reached for comment.
Powell came on the job when design was 5 percent complete, and the company was handed much of that work as well as construction. Marnell Corrao contended that Powell took advantage of that position to engage in substantial overcharging and requested Powell refund $2.8 million of what was paid.
Powell countered that Marnell Corrao was rewriting the contract at its expense.
Contact reporter Tim O'Reiley at
toreiley@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-5290.
