Opinion ID: 532562
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: motions for directed verdict and judgment n.o.v.

Text: 12 The standard to be employed in this circuit when considering motions for directed verdict and judgment notwithstanding the verdict is set forth in Boeing Co. v. Shipman, 411 F.2d 365, 374-75 (5th Cir.1969) (en banc). The guidance given by that case is well worth repeating: 13 On motions for directed verdict and for judgment notwithstanding the verdict the Court should consider all of the evidence--not just that evidence which supports the non-mover's case--but in the light and with all reasonable inferences most favorable to the party opposed to the motion. If the facts and inferences point so strongly and overwhelmingly in favor of one party that the Court believes that reasonable men could not arrive at a contrary verdict, granting of the motions is proper. On the other hand, if there is substantial evidence opposed to the motions, that is, evidence of such quality and weight that reasonable and fair-minded men in the exercise of impartial judgment might reach different conclusions, the motions should be denied, and the case submitted to the jury. A mere scintilla of evidence is insufficient to present a question for the jury. The motions for directed verdict and judgment n.o.v. should not be decided by which side has the better of the case, nor should they be granted only when there is a complete absence of probative facts to support a jury verdict. There must be a conflict in substantial evidence to create a jury question. However, it is the function of the jury as the traditional finder of the facts, and not the Court, to weigh conflicting evidence and inferences, and determine the credibility of witnesses. 14 The record in its entirety, not just the naked portions supporting defendant's motion, must be examined and the evidence considered in a light most favorable to the plaintiff. Governed as we must be by the Boeing standards, sufficient facts appear in the record to support the conclusions of the jury. 15 The valve in question was manufactured by Commercial Shearing for use in the irregular and corrosion causing climes of the Gulf of Mexico. Well within its useful commercial life, the valve was operated in a manner which the manufacturer could reasonably envision. Corrosion occurred, the valve failed to close and remained in an energized position. This condition would be contrary to the normal and reasonable expectations of the users and produced an unreasonable risk of harm. The condition could have been avoided by implementation of other inexpensive available means. The manufacturer failed to warn of the valve's inherent dangers. All of these conclusions are amply supported by record evidence. It is true that there is evidence to the contrary. The evidence in favor of the plaintiff's case, however, was subject to biting, searching and exhaustive cross-examination by able counsel for the defense. The jury could, and evidently did, accept the plaintiff's theory and the believable evidence submitted to support that theory.