Opinion ID: 1257903
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: New trial absolute

Text: Dillon argues on appeal that the trial court erred by not granting a new trial absolute as to damages. We agree. The trial court has sound discretion when addressing questions of excessiveness or inadequacy of verdicts, and its decision will not be disturbed absent an abuse of discretion. Toole v. Toole, 260 S.C. 235, 239, 195 S.E.2d 389, 390 (1973). The trial court must grant a new trial absolute if the amount of the verdict is grossly inadequate or excessive so as to shock the conscience of the court and clearly indicates the figure reached was the result of passion, caprice, prejudice, partiality, corruption or some other improper motive. The failure of the trial judge to grant a new trial absolute in this situation amounts to an abuse of discretion and on appeal this Court will grant a new trial absolute. Vinson v. Hartley, 324 S.C. 389, 404-05, 477 S.E.2d 715, 723 (Ct.App.1996). When considering a motion for a new trial based on the inadequacy or excessiveness of the jury's verdict, the trial court must distinguish between awards that are merely unduly liberal or conservative and awards that are actuated by passion, caprice, prejudice, or some other improper motive. Elam v. S.C. Dept. of Transp., 361 S.C. 9, 602 S.E.2d 772 (2004).