Opinion ID: 2212854
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Timeliness of Nagle's postverdict motions.

Text: Toulon contends that Nagle's motions after verdict were not made and decided within the two-month time limit of sec. 270.49, Stats., and no written order extending the time for cause was made by the trial court. The verdict was rendered on January 24, 1972. The record shows that the date for postverdict motions was ordered by the court to be April 7, 1972. The order was made in open court with both parties present. The cause for the extension of time was to permit transcription of the record and absence of the judge due to vacation. On February 11, 1972, the parties were sent a notice by the clerk rescheduling the motions to April 21, 1972. The notice did not recite that the extension was by order of the court and it failed to state any cause for the extension. The transcript was completed on March 24, 1972, and Toulon's motion for judgment on the verdict was made on April 7, 1972, the date originally scheduled. Nagle's motions were not filed until April 11, 1972. Subsequent extensions were made by the court for cause after April 21, 1972, and are not contested by Toulon. Under this sequence of events relating to the extension of time on the filing and determination of motions, the trial court ultimately granted Nagle's motion for a new trial on the issue of damages with an option to Toulon, pursuant to Powers v. Allstate Ins. Co. (1960), 10 Wis. 2d 78, 102 N. W. 2d 393, but denied the rest of Nagle's motions. We find the decision of the trial court on the postverdict motions to be persuasive. Unfortunately the record does not show that the extension granted from April 7, 1972, to April 21, 1972, was by order of the court for cause, as required by sec. 270.49, Stats. Loomans v. Milwaukee Mut. Ins. Co. (1968), 38 Wis. 2d 656, 158 N. W. 2d 318; Anderson v. Eggert (1940), 234 Wis. 348, 291 N. W. 365; Beck v. Wallmow (1938), 226 Wis. 652, 277 N. W. 705. We determine, therefore, that the instant order granting a new trial on the issue of damages, with option to accept a lesser amount and denying Nagle's other motions is ineffective and void. Graf v. Gerber (1965), 26 Wis. 2d 72, 76, 131 N. W. 2d 863. However, on appeal, both parties concede that this court can exercise its discretion and award a new trial in the interest of justice. Sec. 251.09, Stats. Therefore, our discussion of the issues raised by the parties is based on our independent review of the record with a view toward determining whether there would be a probable miscarriage of justice if the jury's verdict was permitted to stand.