Securing $429,000 Jury Verdict in Wynwood Real Estate Dispute

Case Overview: Wynwood Real Estate Joint Venture v. Breach of Conduct

Saltiel Law Group successfully represented its client, securing a significant $429,000 jury verdict in a complex commercial dispute in Broward County, Florida. The case centered on a joint venture involving two prime Wynwood properties (5130 and 5140 NW 5th Avenue). Our Miami business litigation lawyers protected our client's 33% share of profits, reaffirming the principle that actions and integrity define an agreement just as powerfully as a signature. (Case No. CACE-23-017554)

The Challenge: Enforcing Unsigned Agreements

The dispute arose after a joint venture agreement, initiated in 2022 following an off-market opportunity, was subsequently denied by the opposing party. Despite the lack of formal signatures, the parties had operated under the agreement for over a year, exchanging text confirmations, dividing initial profits, and witnessing the property value climb from $2.2 million to over $3.5 million.

The core challenge for Saltiel Law Group was to protect the client's investment by proving that consistent, year-long performance and fair dealing created an enforceable legal obligation under Florida law, even when formal paper formalities were absent.

Legal Strategy and Precedent

Our litigation team, led by Matthew Carcano and Hubert Menendez, designed a strategy centered on narrative clarity and digital evidence. We successfully argued the defendants’ denial was a breach of good faith by presenting:

• Digital Evidence: Text messages and written drafts explicitly confirming ownership percentages.
• Financial Records: A year's worth of business activity and divided profits that validated the partnership’s intent.
• Performance Proof: Evidence demonstrating that both parties had acted consistently and honored the agreement in practice.

As Lead Trial Counsel Hubert G. Menendez stated: "This verdict reinforces that business partners cannot disregard their obligations simply because an agreement lacks signatures. The jury recognized that performance and conduct can speak louder than paper formalities."

The Verdict and Its Significance

The jury’s decision to award $429,000 to our client validated the principle that credibility and consistency are the foundation of business trust. This verdict sends a clear message to Miami's fast-evolving real estate market: business partners cannot ignore obligations solidified by conduct.

This ruling provides critical precedent, ensuring greater accountability and reinforcing that, even in the absence of formalities, trust remains the foundation of growth. As Partner and Head of Litigation Matthew Carcano added: "This result reflects our firm’s disciplined approach to complex commercial litigation."

Protecting Business Interests

This victory serves as a powerful reminder: the legal system, with the right representation, provides recourse when trust is challenged by those who attempt to deny prior agreements.

Saltiel Law Group handles complex commercial litigation matters involving partnership disputes, breach of contract, and business fraud throughout South Florida. We are committed to protecting our clients’ business interests and ensuring that fairness prevails.