A Dinsmore trial team secured a landmark $36.3 million jury verdict on behalf of LDG Development following a two-week trial against the City of Prospect, marking the culmination of nearly a decade of litigation involving allegations of discrimination and violations of federal fair housing protections. The jury found in favor of LDG on multiple claims, including violations of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Protection Clause, and awarded more than $7.3 million in punitive damages.
The result is a significant victory for LDG Development and an important affirmation of fair housing protections in the Louisville region.
The matter began in 2016 as a zoning dispute over Prospect Cove Senior, a proposed affordable housing development. What followed was years of complex litigation involving extensive discovery, substantial motion practice, and thousands of hours of attorney and staff time.
Partner Tanner Watkins led the case from its earliest stages, guiding the litigation through years of discovery and pretrial proceedings. As the case moved toward trial, partner Kenyon Meyer joined the team, and together they presented a case that detailed the City’s efforts to oppose the development and the resulting harm to LDG. Tanner set the tone for the trial with a standout opening statement that framed nearly a decade of litigation for the jury, and Kenyon brought the case to a close with a memorable and deeply moving closing argument that tied together the evidence presented at trial.
“This verdict represents far more than a financial recovery,” Tanner said. “The jury’s decision validates our client’s position and reinforces the important protections provided by the Fair Housing Act.”
The successful outcome was the product of a deeply collaborative effort across Dinsmore. Attorney Juels White was an integral member of the trial team, examining witnesses and helping present LDG’s case before the jury throughout the two-week trial. Attorney Suzy Marino also played a critical role in trial preparation and courtroom support, while Rob Simmons, Julie Mason, Kassie Wisdom, Christina Stewart, Marlyn Nash, Larry Higdon, Keith Brown, and Jonathan Berkley also provided support throughout the life of the case.