What does "defense verdict was returned" mean?

I've been reading couple risk management articles and unable to understand "defense verdict was returned" phrase. Would anyone explain this, please?Thanks ,
It means that the judge or jury sided with the defendants in the case.

Quote from seneykaI've been reading couple risk management articles and unable to understand "defense verdict was returned" phrase. Would anyone explain this, please?Thanks ,

It means that the people who sued lost. A defense verdict is returned in favor of the defense, the people being sued.

"Defense verdict returned" means that either the judge or the jury's decision was in favor of the defendant. A defendant is one who is being sued, a plaintiff is one who has brought suit against another.

I worked in a courthouse for 9 years and my last assignment of 6 years was in a courtroom that heard medical malpractice cases. I concur with with the majority; a judge or jury ruled in favor of the defendent/defense.

Thanks a lot to those who spared their time answering.