Opinion ID: 884701
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Did the District Court err when it refused Simmons' motion for new trial on damages?

Text: ¶ 34 Simmons argues a new trial should have been granted by the District Court based upon alleged false testimony offered by Wells Fargo's expert, Capers. Simmons contends that its expert testified that the income should include an additional $25 million from the sulphur reduction unit which Holly calculated the unit would yield following its construction. Simmons contends that Wells Fargo's expert, Capers, testified falsely concerning the operational status of the sulphur reduction project during his latest visit and that his calculations had been verified by Griffin, the refinery manager. Simmons supports its position with statements obtained from Capers in a post-trial deposition wherein Capers revealed that the reduction unit was operating at a reduced capacity and that Griffin did not confirm this calculation of additional annual income. Simmons contends that Griffin would have supported the additional $3.6 million in additional income. Simmons also contends that Wells Fargo's counsel falsely represented that Griffin was out of town during trial. Simmons argues these statements were false and constituted perjury which should justify a new trial. ¶ 35 Wells Fargo counters that Capers only testified that the sulphur reduction unit was not fully operational and that Griffin had confirmed that such an operational status would have a negative impact on income. Wells Fargo also argues that its expert, Capers, did not represent Griffin's position as argued by Simmons, but instead was precluded from testifying because of a hearsay objection by Simmons. Wells Fargo suggests additional cross-examination by Simmons would have clarified these matters and that a new trial is unwarranted. ¶ 36 Again, the abuse of discretion standard of review governs this Court's consideration of the denial of a new trial. Morris v. Corcoran Pulpwood Co. (1970), 154 Mont. 468, 465 P.2d 827. The District Court decision on Capers' alleged false testimony about the sulphur reduction unit and its operational status cannot be said to be an abuse of discretion. Again, the lack of reliance by Simmons' damage expert on any additional income from the sulphur reduction unit, together with the testimony of the estimated income from the sulphur reduction unit and impact of cash flow over the period ($25 million)which was not objected to and available for argument to the jury by Simmons lead us to the conclusion that it was Simmons' trial strategy, not the District Court ruling, which kept these matters from being fully developed or argued to the jury.