Opinion ID: 1826617
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Motion for j.n.o.v. and New Trial

Text: Company claims the trial court erred in denying its motions for j.n.o.v. and new trial because the evidence was insufficient to support the jury's verdict finding company liable for fraud and deceit. Whether a new trial should be granted is left to the sound discretion of the trial court, and this court will not disturb the trial court's decision absent a clear showing of abuse of discretion. Kusser v. Feller, 453 N.W.2d 619, 621 (S.D.1990). In determining whether the trial court abused its discretion in denying an application for new trial, this court views the evidence in the light most favorable to the verdict. Stoltz v. Stonecypher, 336 N.W.2d 654, 656 (S.D.1983). Our review of the record reveals the evidence, when viewed favorably to the jury's verdict, supports the finding of fraud on the part of Company. This evidence, if believed by the jury, disclosed that Fitzgerald assured Cody that high risk partnership investments were safe investments, sold Cody investments for which Cody was not financially suited, and falsified Cody's income on offeree questionnaires to make it appear as though these were appropriate investments for Cody. Additionally, Fitzgerald failed to disclose to Cody that he was entitled to a purchaser representative for an independent, impartial review and advisement on this investment decision. Therefore, in light of this evidence, we cannot say that the trial court abused its discretion in denying the motions.