Opinion ID: 1908944
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: sufficiency of the evidence

Text: `Clear and convincing evidence,' for purposes of punitive damages awards, is `[e]vidence that, when weighed against evidence in opposition, will produce in the mind of the trier of fact a firm conviction as to each essential element of the claim and a high probability as to the correctness of the conclusion.' Talent Tree Personnel Services, Inc. v. Fleenor, 703 So.2d 917, 923 (Ala.1997) (quoting § 6-11-20(b)(4), Ala.Code 1975). In the context of this case, we must determine whether the jury could have found by clear and convincing evidence that the defendants' conduct amounted to [a]n intentional misrepresentation, deceit, or concealment of a material fact that the concealing party had a duty to disclose, which was gross, oppressive, or malicious and committed with the intention on the part of the defendant of thereby depriving a person or entity of property or legal rights or otherwise causing injury. § 6-11-20(b)(1), Ala.Code 1975. A gross misrepresentation or failure to disclose is defined as one that is inexcusable, flagrant, or shameful. See Talent Tree, 703 So.2d at 924; Ex parte Norwood Hodges Motor Co., 680 So.2d 245, 249 (Ala.1996). After carefully reviewing the evidence, we conclude that the jury could have reasonably concluded that the defendants' representation that Mrs. Thomas had full coverage and their failure to disclose that Mrs. Thomas could not even qualify for full coverage were shown by clear and convincing evidence to be gross; that is, inexcusable, flagrant, or shameful.