Opinion ID: 681303
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: West's Motion for a New Trial

Text: 57 West contends, alternatively, that the trial judge abused his discretion in denying West's motion for a new trial on East's unjust enrichment claims. Whereas we review an order denying or granting a motion for judgment as a matter of law de novo, Kirschner v. Office of Comptroller, 973 F.2d 88, 92 (2d Cir.1992), we will afford considerable deference to a trial judge's decision whether to grant a new trial. Metromedia Co. v. Fugazy, 983 F.2d 350, 363 (2d Cir.1992), cert. denied, --- U.S. ----, 113 S.Ct. 2445, 124 L.Ed.2d 662 (1993). The decision whether to grant a new trial on the ground that the verdict was against the weight of the evidence is committed to the sound discretion of the district court. Id. In exercising that discretion, a trial court may order a new trial when it is convinced that the jury has reached a 'seriously erroneous result' or that the verdict is ... against the weight of the evidence. Mallis v. Barkers Trust Co., 717 F.2d 683, 691 (2nd Cir.1983); see also Purnell v. Lord, 952 F.2d 679, 686 (2d Cir.1992). 58 There is serious doubt whether a district court's order denying a motion for a new trial because the verdict is against the weight of the evidence is even reviewable in this circuit. See Piesco v. Koch, 12 F.3d 332, 344 (2d Cir.1993); Fugazy, 983 F.2d at 363 (discussing authorities). Even if the district court's decision is reviewable, however, we will not reverse such a denial unless it constituted an abuse of discretion, Fugazy, 983 F.2d at 363, or unless the district court applied the wrong legal standard in denying the motion, Piesco, 12 F.3d at 344. 59 In urging a new trial, West essentially repeats its argument that it received no benefit from East because East was obligated to perform under its contract with Telefacs. Assuming arguendo that the decision of the trial court is reviewable, we reject West's argument for a new trial for the same reasons we deny West's motion for judgment as a matter of law. As we set out above, ample evidence was presented at trial that East continued work on the GSA Project in January and February 1987 in response, at least in part, to West's representations that East would get paid. Ample evidence was presented as well that West benefitted from East's decision to complete performance and that East was damaged. 60 Similarly, for the reasons set out above, we reject West's argument that the jury's award of damages was seriously erroneous. We therefore affirm the order of the trial judge denying West's alternative motion for a new trial.