Opinion ID: 1230132
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Waiver of Inconsistency in Jury's Verdict

Text: Blumenshine argues that the superior court erred in declining to reduce the jury's award of past medical expenses to reflect Baptiste's comparative negligence. In response, Baptiste argues that the jury's verdict as to past medical expenses was inconsistent, and that Blumenshine waived any objection to the award by failing to challenge the consistency of the verdict prior to the jury's discharge. Baptiste adduced evidence showing he had sustained $19,371 in damages for past medical expenses. The jury found that Baptiste had suffered $19,371 in past medical expenses and that 25% of his damages were sustained as a consequence of his comparative fault. [2] Without the jury's note to its special verdict, Baptiste's award would have been reduced by 25% to reflect his comparative negligence. However, the jury's note and the foreperson's response to the superior court's question indicated that the jury had already reduced the amount awarded for past medical expenses in consideration of Baptiste's comparative negligence. Given the evidence produced as to past medical expenses, the amount of damages for past medical expenses found by the jury, and the jury's note to its special verdict, it is clear that the verdict as to this damage issue is inconsistent. Blumenshine urges us to ignore the handwritten note as surplusage. In support of this contention, Blumenshine cites instances in which courts have disregarded extraneous notes from the jury. Barrow v. Talbott, 417 N.E.2d 917, 921 (Ind. App. 1981) (disregarding a note that stated that portion of award was for future medical expenses); Gilmore v. Control Data Corp., 442 N.W.2d 835, 839 (Minn.App. 1989) (disregarding a note that stated that attorney's fees and court costs were to be awarded); Gustavson v. O'Brien, 87 Wis.2d 193, 274 N.W.2d 627, 634 (1979) (disregarding a note regarding contributory negligence where it was not an issue in the case). The notes in Barrow and Gilmore did not create any inconsistencies. Rather, they constituted additional findings the jury was not asked to make. Here the jury's note explained its award for past medical expenses and therefore, it cannot be struck as mere surplusage. To give effect to the jury trial right in civil cases this court will examine the pleadings, instructions, arguments and evidence to obtain a view of the case that harmonizes what seems at first to be an inconsistent verdict. Schmit v. Stewart, 601 P.2d 256 (Alaska 1979). We will look for consistency, but will not create it where there is none. City of Homer v. Land's End Marine, 459 P.2d 475, 478 (Alaska 1969). Blumenshine has failed to present any plausible theory of consistency short of ignoring the note and the foreperson's response to the superior court's inquiry. Based on the inconsistency of the jury's verdict, Baptiste argues that Blumenshine waived any objection to the verdict. [3] We agree. Challenges to the consistency of a verdict are deemed waived unless made prior to the discharge of the jury. Buoy v. ERA Helicopters, Inc., 771 P.2d 439, 446 n. 7 (Alaska 1989); City of Homer, 459 P.2d at 480 (inconsistency between total award of $84,000 on a twenty-year contract and finding that plaintiff had suffered $500 damage in three years and eight months was waived). We have noted that the waiver rule promotes the fair and expeditious correction of error. Id. (quoting Cundiff v. Washburn, 393 F.2d 505, 507 (7th Cir.1968)). The superior court called the note to the attorneys' attention and with the attorneys' approval questioned the jury about its intent. After reading the verdict into the record and offering to poll the jury, the superior court discharged the jury. Despite this notice, counsel allowed the jury to be discharged and the special verdicts filed. Since Blumenshine failed to challenge the consistency of the special verdict pertaining to damages for past medical expenses before the jury was discharged, we hold that he waived this argument.