Opinion ID: 1183420
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: the winns' claims against area and the agents

Text: The Winns claim that Area and the Agents are also liable for misrepresenting the length of lease term. A prima facie case of misrepresentation requires evidence that there was a misrepresentation of a material contract term on which the buyer actually and justifiably relied. Cousineau v. Walker, 613 P.2d 608, 612 (Alaska 1980). Area and the Agents represented that the lease expired in 1986; the Winns' evidence concerning the lease extensions casts doubt on the truth of this representation. The Winns testified that they relied on Area's expertise. We therefore conclude that the Winns presented a prima facie case of misrepresentation against Area and the Agents. The evidence, viewed in a light most favorable to the Winns, is sufficient to create an inference of causation. The Winns also argue that Area was negligent per se because it did not supervise the Agents [10] or review the final agreement. [11] When the trial court dismisses a claim under Civil Rule 41(b), it must enter findings as required in Civil Rule 52(a). [12] The trial court entered no findings of fact or conclusions of law concerning the Winns' negligence per se claims. [13] Civil Rule 41(b) is mandatory; the trial court erred when it did not comply therewith. Merrill v. Merrill, 368 P.2d 546, 548 (Alaska 1962). Therefore, we remand this issue to the superior court for the purpose of entering findings of fact. Should this prove impossible in light of our disposition of the Winns' other claims, the superior court should grant a new trial. Id. The Winns argue that Area is responsible for the culpable acts of the Agents under the doctrine of respondeat superior. Area argues that the Agents are not liable to the Winns, therefore, Area is not liable. A broker is liable for the actions of his agents under the doctrine of respondeat superior. Black v. Dahl, 625 P.2d 876, 879 n. 3 (Alaska 1981). Should the Agents be adjudged liable to the Winns on remand, Area will be jointly and severally liable with them.