Opinion ID: 2187773
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: directed verdict on damages

Text: The directed verdict issues presented in this appeal give us an opportunity to examine issues relating to the burden of proof as to damages in an injury-to-property case. The Ellisons'/Sullivans' appeal from the opinion of the Court of Appeals reversing the trial court's judgment on the grounds that a directed verdict should have been granted at the close of the plaintiffs' evidence because the Ellisons/Sullivans introduced no testimony concerning the fair market value of their property after the trespass. Lawrence Construction and R & B Construction argue that the Court of Appeals holding is correct, but submit that the trial court could also have been reversed because of a failure to grant a directed verdict in their favor either: (1) at the close of all evidence, because expert testimony submitted by the defense conclusively established that any trespass committed by the two construction companies resulted in no diminution in the fair market value of the property; or (2) at the close of the plaintiffs' case when the Ellison/Sullivans failed to prove their damages with the requisite specificity.