Opinion ID: 856463
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: sufficiency of the evidence

Text: ILM finally argues that the verdict is not supported by the evidence. Aplt. Br. 33–36. Here, ILM identifies different coverages for which the jury “presumably” awarded damages—e.g., lost profits and valuable papers—and explains why the evidence was insufficient under the insurance policy to support these awards. Id. As before, our review is highly deferential. When “a new trial motion asserts that the jury verdict is not supported by the evidence, the verdict must stand unless it is clearly, decidedly, or overwhelmingly against the weight of the evidence.” M.D. Mark, 565 F.3d at 762 (quotation omitted). “Absent an award that shocks the judicial conscience or raises an irresistible inference that passion, prejudice, corruption or other improper cause played a part in the jury’s damage award, we will not disturb the jury’s damage award.” Woolard v. JLG Indus., Inc., 210 F.3d 1158, 1174 (10th Cir. 2000). On review, ILM’s argument is necessarily speculative. Because the jury returned a general verdict, ILM can only speculate on which bases the jury awarded damages. See Aplt. App. 123. Thus, we cannot say, as ILM argues, that the jury awarded lost profits for too long of a restoration period, or that the jury - 13 - awarded damages for valuable papers even though Agriboard never replaced those papers. See Aplt. Br. 33–36. Moreover, the jury’s award is not excessive such that it shocks this panel’s judicial conscience. See Woolard, 210 F.3d at 1174. Agriboard requested $2.4 million in damages, and the jury awarded $2,261,166, a number well within that range. Ample evidence was introduced at trial for the jury to conclude that ILM breached its contract, and we cannot second guess the jury’s finding. Thus, the trial court did not abuse its discretion. AFFIRMED. - 14 -