Breit Biniazan trial attorneys Kevin Biniazan, Alexis Bale and Lauren Martin, alongside co-counsel Harding Law, secured a $78 million jury verdict in Polk County, Iowa, following a two-week trial involving sexual abuse and failures to protect the plaintiff. The verdict is reported to be the largest standing jury verdict in Iowa history.
The case involved years of suffering for a woman and her family. After hearing the evidence presented at trial, the jury returned a verdict recognizing the harm they endured and holding the responsible parties accountable.
Breaking Down the $78 Million Iowa Jury Verdict
The Polk County jury awarded a total of $78 million in damages, including:
- $50 million in compensatory damages
- $3 million for loss of consortium
- $25 million in punitive damages
The verdict followed a years-long legal fight that culminated in two weeks of trial.
While no financial award can reverse the harm caused by sexual abuse, the jury's decision recognizes the lasting impact on survivors and their families, as well as the consequences when those responsible fail to protect others.
Holding Those Responsible for Sexual Abuse Accountable
Sexual abuse cases are about more than what happened to one person. They can also expose failures by the people and institutions entrusted with protecting others.
For survivors, coming forward and pursuing a civil case can mean years of difficult conversations, legal proceedings, and uncertainty.
This case was no exception.
The plaintiff and her family spent years pursuing accountability. Their willingness to see the case through trial gave the jury the opportunity to hear their experiences and consider the full extent of the harm they suffered.
Patient Safety Is Achieved in Practice, Not on Paper
During closing arguments, Kevin Biniazan emphasized that protecting vulnerable patients requires more than written policies and procedures.
"Patient safety is achieved in practice, not on paper."
His remarks highlighted a central issue in the case: the responsibility of institutions to follow through on patient protections, particularly when warning signs arise and vulnerable individuals depend on others for their safety.
The $78 million verdict reflects the jury's findings and the seriousness of the conduct presented at trial.
A Collaborative Trial Victory for Breit Biniazan and Harding Law
Breit Biniazan attorneys Kevin Biniazan, Alexis Bale and Lauren Martin worked alongside Marc Harding, Christian Crocker, and the Harding Law team to bring the case to trial.
The result reflects years of work, careful preparation, and a shared commitment to the clients and their case.
Breit Biniazan is grateful to Harding Law for the opportunity to work together and proud to have stood beside the clients throughout this process.
Above all, this verdict belongs to the woman and family who trusted their legal team to tell their story and pursue accountability. The $78 million jury verdict is a historic result in Iowa and another example of the role civil litigation can play in holding those responsible for sexual abuse accountable
