Bench trial leads to judgment for plaintiffs against landlord.
The Case
- Case Name: Osmond, et al. v. Romano
- Court and Case Number: San Bernardino Superior Court / CIVDS2010379
- Date of Verdict or Judgment: Tuesday, January 13, 2026
- Date Action was Filed: Friday, May 29, 2020
- Type of Case: Landlord-Tenant Issues, Negligence
- Judge or Arbitrator(s): Hon. Wilfred J. Schneider, Jr.
- Plaintiffs:
Alexia Osmond, 39, waitressMinor plaintiff
- Defendants:
Georgana H. Romano
- Type of Result: Bench Verdict
The Result
- Gross Verdict or Award: $4,000,000. After a bench trial, the court entered its verdict and judgment for $2 million in favor of plaintiff Alexia Osmond and $2 million in favor of minor plaintiff.
- Trial or Arbitration Time: 1 day
The Attorneys
- Attorney for the Plaintiff:
Law Offices of Gerald S Ohn, APC by Gerald S. Ohn and Michael A. Amaro, Los Angeles.
- Attorney for the Defendant:
Law Office of W. Derek May by W. Derek May, Upland.
The Experts
- Plaintiff’s Medical Expert(s):
James Dahglren, M.D., environmental medicine and toxicology, Sausalito.
Facts and Background
- Facts and Background:
Plaintiffs resided at the property owned and managed by defendants in Chino Hills pursuant to a lease agreement. Plaintiffs lived at the subject property for a little over one year (July 25, 2017 to August 23, 2018).
This matter was heard as a bench trial.
- Plaintiff's Contentions:
Plaintiffs claimed that they suffered injuries and other damages as a result of habitability defects, including mold and insect infestations, such as but not limited to, flea infestations, at the subject property.
Plaintiffs claims included breach of implied warranty of habitability, negligence, nuisance and breach of covenant of quiet enjoyment.
- Defendant's Contentions:
Defendant disputed plaintiffs' claims and the nature and extent of their alleged injuries and damages.
Injuries and Other Damages
- Physical Injuries claimed by Plaintiff:
Plaintiff Alexia Osmond claimed breathing problems, coughing, sneezing, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and flea bites.
Minor plaintiff claimed severe rashes all over his body; flea bites; colds, coughing, and allergy symptoms, and breathing problems.
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Plaintiff Alexia Osmond also claimed dimunition of rental.
Demands and Offers
- Plaintiff §998 Demand: $300,000
- Plaintiff Final Demand before Trial: $300,000
- Defendant §998 Offer: $0
- Defendant Final Offer before Trial: $0
Additional Notes
Defendant dismissed her cross-complaint for alleged back rent before trial.