Walsworth Secures Summary Judgment for Defendants in Construction Defect Case

Walsworth Partners Karen Porter, Josh Anaya, and Senior Counsel Emily Anselmo secured a defense win in Los Angeles County Superior Court on January 21, 2026, with the court granting summary judgment for the firm’s clients – an owner and his company – in a residential construction defect case, dismissing all claims.

The plaintiff, a tenant, alleged she was exposed to mold due to missing crawlspace vents and debris left during a property renovation. The Walsworth team showed their clients’ work was limited to demolition, grading, and framing, and did not include installing or supervising installation of crawlspace vents. Undisputed evidence also confirmed that another subcontractor, hired directly by the owner‑builder, was responsible for the vents and failed to install them.

The court also found no support for the allegation that the defendants left debris in the crawlspace or performed their work negligently. Ultimately, the plaintiff could not establish that the defendants owed or breached any duty of care. With no triable issues remaining, the court entered judgment for the defense on every claim.