HYMAN v. CAPITAL ONE AUTO FINANCE et al
Filing
161
MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER granting 145 Motion for Attorney Fees; denying 148 Motion for Judgment as a Matter of Law; denying 148 Motion for New Trial; granting 148 Motion to Alter Judgment. Hyman is entitled to $189,279.00 in attorney fees and $7,881.14 in costs. The Court will reduce the jury's punitive-damages award from $500,000 to $30,000, and as more fully stated in said Memorandum Opinion and Order. Signed by Judge Kim R. Gibson on 5/28/2019. (dlg)
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA
ANGELA HYMAN,
)
CIVIL ACTION NO. 3:17-89
)
Plaintiff,
)
v.
JUDGE KIM R. GIBSON
)
)
BRYAN DEVLIN,
)
)
Defendant.
)
MEMORANDUM OPINION
I.
Introduction
Before the Court are post-trial motions regarding a jury verdict rendered in this case on
February 1, 2019. The jury ruled in Plaintiff Angela Hyman's favor-finding that Defendant
Corporal Bryan Devlin violated her constitutional rights by aiding in the repossession of Hyman's
vehicle. (ECF No. 143.) The jury awarded Hyman $5,000 in compensatory damages and $500,000
in punitive damages. (Id.)
After trial, Hyman filed a Motion for Attorney Fees and Costs. (ECF No. 145.) Defendant
Bryan Devlin filed a Motion for Judgment as a Matter of Law, New Trial, and to Alter Judgment.
(ECF No. 148.) These Motions are fully briefed (see ECF Nos. 146, 149, 154-55, 160) and are ripe
for disposition. For the following reasons, Hyman's Motion for Attorney Fees and Costs is
GRANTED and Devlin's Motion for Judgment as a Matter of Law, New Trial, and to Alter
Judgment is GRANTED IN PART and DENIED IN PART.
II.
Background
A.
Factual History1
1.
Hyman Defaults on Her Loan
Hyman received a loan to finance the purchase of a new car. (ECF No. 93
Disclaimer: Justia Dockets & Filings provides public litigation records from the federal appellate and district courts. These filings and docket sheets should not be considered findings of fact or liability, nor do they necessarily reflect the view of Justia.
Why Is My Information Online?