Following a lengthy trial, a jury sitting in the Los Angeles Superior Court in Chatsworth on Thursday, Oct. 4 awarded $3,646,810 to plaintiff Martin B. Kelly to compensate him for the damages he suffered as a result of a fire which was started by the negligent and reckless conduct of Defendant Chicago Bridge and Iron, Inc.

The fire, commonly known as the Copper Canyon fire, was started by employees of Chicago Bridge and Iron when they were attempting to build two very large water tanks northwest of Magic Mountain. The fire raged across 20,000 acres including national forests, many public facilities, private properties, and ranches including Mr. Kelly's property and trees.

A different jury ruled earlier this year that the conduct of Chicago Bridge and Iron caused the fire and that Chicago Bridge and Iron was both " negligent and reckless".

The jury verdict of last week followed a trial in which Mr. Kelly, through his attorney(Douglas G. Gray of Woodland Hills), presented evidence of his damages and the past and future problems he has suffered and will continue to suffer as a direct result of the negligent and reckless conduct of Chicago Bridge and Iron. Mr. Gray indicated that these last years have been extremely difficult for Mr. Kelly and that hopefully the defendant and its insurance carrier, AIG, would finally now do the right thing and pay the amount ordered by the jury. Mr. Gray also stated that Judge Kendig had praised the jury for its hard work and dedicated service.