Opinion ID: 2273030
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Cochran's Estimation of Total Damages

Text: Travis Lumber first contends that the circuit court erred in allowing Cochran to testify as to the fair market value of all of the timber removed from the property, including that which was removed prior to December 17, 1997. Travis Lumber asserts error in the allowance of this testimony because the circuit court's September 28, 2005 order had dismissed Deichman's claims on behalf of the estate, which claims were not conveyed to the trust in the December 17, 1997 deed. According to Travis Lumber, the circuit court's denial of its motion in limine on this point violated Arkansas Rule of Evidence 401, as the evidence was irrelevant, and Arkansas Rule of Evidence 403, as the probative value of the evidence was substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice or confusion of the issues. We find no error in the circuit court's ruling. While evidence of damages accruing prior to December 17, 1997, was irrelevant for purposes of calculating the fair market value of the timber removed while the property was owned by the trust, it was relevant and probative on another crucial issue. Specifically, the evidence was admitted to demonstrate that Travis Lumber acted wrongfully, for purposes of an award of treble damages under Arkansas Code Annotated section 18-60-102, of double damages under section 15-32-301, and of punitive damages. As Deichman notes, the evidence could have supported the inference that Travis Lumber had some knowledge of the invalidity of the timber deed, in that it had grossly underpaid for the timber rights. [4] Moreover, we note that adequate precautions were taken to ensure that the jury understood that it was to award damages only for the timber removed on or after December 17, 1997. Cochran's own testimony made this point clear. In addition, the verdict form submitted to the jury reiterated that it was to determine the fair market value of the timber removed on or after December 17, 1997. For these reasons, we cannot say that the circuit court abused its discretion in admitting this testimony.