Wilson v. J.R. Simplot Co.

Summary

Alan Wilson appealed an order granting J.R. Simplot Company a new trial on damages after a jury awarded Wilson $250,000 in non-economic damages for injuries sustained in a vehicle collision. The Idaho Supreme Court affirmed, holding that the district court did not abuse its broad discretion in determining that the damages appeared to have been awarded under the influence of passion or prejudice.

Holdings

1. The district court did not abuse its discretion in granting a new trial because the disparity between the jury's $250,000 non-economic damages award and the trial court's assessment of a permissible award was sufficiently substantial to support the conclusion that the verdict appeared to have been given under the influence of passion or prejudice.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the district court abused its discretion by granting a new trial because the jury's non-economic damages award was excessive and appeared to have been given under the influence of passion or prejudice.

Disposition

affirmed