The circuit court tried that aspect of the third-party action without a jury shortly after the conclusion of the trial of the main action. Gateway moved for a directed finding on the basis of Smeja's testimony, arguing that Ridgeview could not set forth a prima facie case for breach of contract because Ridgeview had not suffered any damages. Gateway also argued that Ridgeview had not proved the reasonableness of the legal fees incurred. At a subsequent status hearing, Ridgeview orally moved for leave to amend its third-party complaint to reflect that the real party in interest was its liability insurer, General Casualty. Gateway subsequently filed a posttrial motion which the trial court denied.
Gateway now appeals.
The standard of review we apply when a challenge is made to the trial court's ruling following a bench trial is whether the trial court's judgment is against the manifest weight of the evidence. 303 Ill. App. 303 Ill. App. 249 Ill. App. Here, the testimony of Smeja clearly established that Ridgeview paid neither the settlement with Walker nor any of the legal fees incurred in its defense.