Opinion ID: 878763
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Issue 2 Error in refusing evidence at damages hearing?

Text: Rice contends that the District Court did not allow evidence which mitigated damages. He correctly asserts that evidence that mitigates damages should be allowed. He cites Lindsey v. Drs. Keenan, Andrews & Allred (1946), 118 Mont. 312, 165 P.2d 804, for the rule that evidence mitigating damages may be introduced. In fact, the plaintiff has a burden of showing a nexus between the default liability and the damages. Trans World Airlines, Inc. v. Hughes (2nd Cir.1971), 449 F.2d 51, 70. Evidence that establishes a defense may also mitigate damages and that evidence should be admitted as relevant to damages. Rice did not establish that evidence mitigating damages was excluded. The single incident he pointed to in his brief may be relevant to liability but its relevance to damages is not apparent. Liability was no longer an issue, so the evidence was excludable. Henry v. Sneiders (9th Cir.1974), 490 F.2d 315, 318. The judgment is affirmed. HARRISON, WEBER, SHEEHY, GULBRANDSON, HUNTER and MORRISON, JJ., concur.