Case ID: pr-fed_5/html/0332-01.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "\n      Rodey, Judge,", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

JAIME MENDEZ v. NORTH BRITISH MERCANTILE INSURANCE COMPANY.
    San Juan,
    Law,
    No. 669.
    1. On a motion for a new trial on account of errors alleged to have been committed by the court, where the court is satisfied that if any error was committed it was against the opposite party, who is not complaining, and where the court cannot say that there is reasonable ground to believe that the verdict would be different if the motion were granted, it should be denied.
    2. Where, on the facts developed during a trial, the jury would have been justified in finding entirely in favor of the defendant, but instead found in favor of the plaintiff for a much less sum than sued for, and the court is of opinion that there is no reasonable ground to believe that another jury would find in favor of the plaintiff for any larger amount, and no newly discovered evidence or other reason is urged as a ground for a new trial, the motion should be denied.
    Opinion filed February 12, 1910.
    
      Mr. J. A. Poventud, attorney for plaintiff.
    
      Mr. Martin Travieso, Jr., attorney for defendant.
   Rodey, Judge,

delivered the following opinion:

This cause is before us on a motion for a new trial. The trial took place December 6 and 7, 1909, before the court and a jury. The verdict was for the plaintiff in the sum of $2,000. The action was for $6,000, on account of an alleged fire loss under a fire insurance policy. We have gone carefully over the argument written out in the motion for a new trial, and in the memorandum brief filed with it, and over the written reply made thereto by the opposing counsel. Counsel for plaintiff fails to satisfy us that we committed error against his client on the trial of the cause. On the contrary, we think that if error was committed, it was against the defendant, and it is not complaining. A new trial ought not to be granted unless there is reasonable ground to believe that the verdict would be for the opposite party were it granted. The cause, as we see it, was fairly submitted to the jury in so far as plaintiff was concerned, and under proper instructions; they found that $2,000 was all plaintiff was entitled to. On the facts developed, we are free to say that if the jury had found for defendant outright, we do not think the court would have disturbed the verdict.

The motion for a new trial will therefore be denied, and an order to that effect will be entered.