Opinion ID: 1148996
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: damages in relation to both causes of action

Text: ¶ 16. The trial court could have found the element of damages was not proven by a preponderance of the evidence. Flexible Flyer has the burden of proof to show the financial loss it suffered which was caused by Target and Kellerman. Cenac, 609 So.2d at 1271. Flexible Flyer cites to Johnston v. Safeco Ins. Co. of America, 727 F.2d 548 (5th Cir.1984) and R & S Development, Inc. v. Wilson, 534 So.2d 1008 (Miss. 1988) for the proposition that defendants cannot escape liability because of lack of a scientifically precise measure of damages. `[A] reasonable basis for computation and the best evidence which is obtainable under the circumstances of the case, and which will enable the trier to arrive at a fair approximate estimate of loss is sufficient proof.' MBF Corp., 663 So.2d at 599 (quoting Koehring Co. v. Hyde Construction Co., 254 Miss. 214, 251, 178 So.2d 838, 853 (1965)). While this is true, a damage award cannot be based on mere speculation. Cenac, 609 So.2d at 1271-72. As far as the issue of damages, the methodology used to compute these damages is questionable. The calculations were all done internally by Flexible Flyer, no adjustments were made for quantities ordered, seasons in which the goods were ordered, or differences in set-up charges and no market studies were conducted. Flexible Flyer chose the lowest comparable price for a calendar year and even admitted to an error of double skewing. Flexible Flyer even compared prices from vendors who shipped to another plant. Based on the internal calculations, Flexible Flyer contends the total overcharge, including interest at 9% is $460,467.47. Given the suspect nature of how Flexible Flyer tried to prove its damages, it is certainly reasonable for the trial court to conclude that Flexible Flyer has not met its burden of proof as to any damages that resulted from Kellerman's and Oswalt's separate business relationship. Therefore, this Court finds that the judgment of the lower court was not clearly erroneous or against the overwhelming weight of the evidence.