A federal court jury has awarded more...

A federal court jury has awarded more than $1 million to a retired dentist who sued the brokerage firm Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith after he lost $43,000 in 1982 in the options market. The jury ruled that the brokerage’s Escondido office breached its fiduciary duty in handling the account of Keith Bryant, 74. Jurors also assessed $2,000 in damages against broker Edward Schwarz, who handled Bryant’s account, and $5,000 in damages against Dale Windau, manager of Merrill Lynch’s Escondido office. Bryant, who lives in a mobile home park in Escondido, also was awarded $25,000 to cover economic loss. Attorney James F. Stiven, representing Merrill Lynch, said the firm intends to appeal. Describing Bryant as a knowledgeable investor, Stiven said, “He knew the risks. It was his idea to do these things.” Terry Singleton, one of Bryant’s two lawyers, argued that Schwarz was not thorough enough in determining Bryant’s needs and investment experience.