Opinion ID: 1191292
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: verdict contrary to weight of the evidence

Text: The Jakoskis contend that the total award of $18,000 was inadequate and contrary to the weight of the evidence. We note initially that no objection to the amount of the award was made before the trial judge. There was no motion for new trial or for an addition to the award. We have held in Heacock v. Town: [11] The question of whether damages are inadequate, or excessive, is in the first instance committed to the discretion of the trial judge and should be raised on a motion for a new trial. The reason for this is that the judge who presided at the trial and observed all the events that occurred there, and who heard the witnesses and observed their demeanor, is in a far better position than an appellate court to know whether in the light of all that transpired at the trial the damages awarded by the jury were so wholly inconsistent with, or so much less than the proof of damages as reflected by the evidence as to be fairly called inadequate. We have, nevertheless, reviewed the record to ascertain whether the evidence was legally sufficient to support the verdict. In so doing, we are required to take the evidence and all inferences reasonably deducible therefrom in the light most favorable to the appellee. [12] While the issue of damages was hotly contested, we find that there was competent evidence and reasonable inferences deducible therefrom to support the verdict.