John Doe 119 v. Diocese of Green Bay

An adult plaintiff--allegedly molested by a priest while a minor--sued a Catholic diocese for fraud and negligent failure to disclose to him the priest's history of sexual abuse. After a four-week trial, plaintiff's counsel (nationally prominent for handling molestation cases against the Catholic Church) in closing argued for $5.1 M for past and future pain and suffering, medical and economic damages, as well as punitive damages.

VERDICT: Jury rejected fraud and punitive damages claim; $400,000 (amended) for negligence. On appeal for lack of personal jurisdiction over the Diocese, the Supreme Court of Nevada reversed the district court's decision.