Opinion ID: 889263
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Judgment Offsets

Text: ¶ 13 The jury returned a verdict in favor of Cheff in the amount of $1.6 million, which was reduced by $240,000 due to Cheff's contributory negligence. BNSF moved to offset the damage award by the $300,000 it had paid Cheff pursuant to the Release, plus interest. The District Court granted the $300,000 offset but denied interest. Cheff cross-appeals, arguing that permitting an offset was inappropriate because BNSF did not meet its burden in establishing that the $300,000 and verdict were for the same damages. BNSF appeals the denial of the interest offset. ¶ 14 BNSF raises the following issues on appeal: ¶ 15 Issue 1: Did the District Court err in setting aside the Release? ¶ 16 Issue 2: Did the District Court err in prohibiting BNSF from using statements contained in medical records to impeach Cheff about how he injured his back? ¶ 17 Issue 3: Did the District Court err in denying BNSF an interest offset on the settlement proceeds it paid pursuant to the Release that was later invalidated? ¶ 18 Cheff raises the following issues on cross-appeal: ¶ 19 Issue 4: Did the District Court properly submit the issue of contributory negligence to the jury? ¶ 20 Issue 5: Did the District Court err in offsetting Cheff's damage award by the $300,000 that was previously paid pursuant to the Release?