Following a trial where the plaintiff was awarded the full amount of its construction lien and breach of contract claim ($73,767.26), the court determined costs and interest.
The plaintiff had made an offer to settle for $55,000, which the defendant ignored.
The court found the defendant's conduct throughout the litigation to be obstinate, provocative, and designed to delay.
Despite the costs claimed ($123,565.03) being disproportionate to the judgment amount, the court awarded $120,000 for the reference and $15,000 for a motion to strike on a substantial indemnity basis, emphasizing that proportionality should not reward unreasonable conduct.
Prejudgment interest was set at 1% and post-judgment at 2%.
