Dallas Developer Wins $98 Million Fraud Verdict Against BBVA Compass Bank

DALLAS, Dec. 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- A Dallas jury returned a verdict of more than $98 million against BBVA Compass after finding that the bank and one of its executives committed fraud during loan renewal and modification negotiations with the developer of three luxury subdivisions in northeast Tarrant County.

Jurors deliberated for three hours before reaching the unanimous verdict on Dec. 13 for developer David Bagwell and partnerships he formed to build the Broughton, Whittier Heights, and Old Grove subdivisions in Colleyville.

The lawsuit stems from efforts by Mr. Bagwell during the 2008-2009 financial crisis and real estate downturn to modify financing for the three subdivisions. Lead trial lawyer Derrick Boyd of the Texas law firm Boyd, Powers & Williamson presented evidence that a BBVA Compass executive repeatedly misled Mr. Bagwell into believing his loans were being renewed. Based on those promises, Mr. Bagwell did not seek other financing.

Jurors heard testimony that the bank was simultaneously negotiating in secret to sell the loans at a substantial discount to a competing developer. After acquiring the discounted loans, the developer foreclosed on Mr. Bagwell's three properties and forced him into bankruptcy.

"Emails from Compass connected the dots for this jury," said Mr. Boyd. "We were able to show that while Mr. Bagwell was actively trying to work with the bank to keep these developments operating, Compass was misleading him and working behind his back to sell his debt to a competitor."

SOUND: Interview clips of attorney Derrick Boyd on Dropbox link: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/j1q60ncuv93mr7f/AABHEt_KdYvKnkqeBSF4RW_5a?dl=0

The $98.02 million verdict included $37.86 million to Mr. Bagwell and $20.16 million to related business entities. The jury returned $40 million in punitive damages after finding that the bank's fraudulent actions caused harm to the parties. The case is David Bagwell et al v. BBVA Compass and Sam Meade, Cause No. DC-14-00991 in the 101^st Judicial District Court in Dallas County.

Mr. Bagwell and the three partnerships were represented by a trial team including Mr. Boyd, Kristy Campbell and Matt Meyer of Boyd, Powers & Williamson of Decatur, Texas; appellate counsel Jeffrey Levinger of Levinger PC of Dallas; and attorney Jeffrey T. Hall of Dallas. Two related entities intervened in the lawsuit and were represented by Peyton Healey of Powers Taylor LLP of Dallas.

About Boyd Powers Williamson:
The trial lawyers at Boyd Powers Williamson have the expertise and resources to handle a range of complex litigation on behalf of individuals and business interests. The firm represents clients in commercial litigation with a special emphasis on litigation against banks and financial institutions for fraud, breach of contract and other wrongdoing. The trial team represents individuals in catastrophic injury litigation, including trucking, motor vehicle and construction accidents, as well as injuries caused by dangerous products. For more information, visit http://www.bpwlaw.com/. 

Contact:
Robert Tharp
Androvett Legal Media
214-559-4630

SOURCE Boyd Powers Williamson

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