Opinion ID: 1229988
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: robinson was the real party in interest in the suit against versatile.

Text: Smolnikar's second claim is that the court erred in allowing Robinson a set-off against Note 2 by concluding that Robinson was the real party in interest in the suit against Versatile. The findings of fact must support the conclusion of law. Knodel v. Bd. of Cty. Com'rs., Etc., 269 N.W.2d 386, 390 (S.D.1978); Kirkeby v. Renaas, 186 N.W.2d 513, 516 (S.D.1971). The court found that the drills were left in a leased field for approximately two years prior to the execution of the Contract. Following the execution of the Contract, Robinson moved these drills and attempted, with Versatile's help, to repair them with Smolnikar's knowledge and without objection. When Versatile threatened legal action to collect the balance on the drills, Smolnikar informed Robinson that this was his problem now. Robinson hired counsel at his expense, obtained a partial settlement on the debt to Versatile and a favorable settlement on the breach of warranty suit against Versatile. Although the suit was brought in Smolnikar's name, it was with his knowledge and consent. Under these findings and the determination that the drills were included in the Contract, the court properly concluded that Robinson was the real party in interest in the suit against Versatile and entitled to the settlement proceeds. Therefore, it was proper to conclude that Robinson was entitled to a set-off in the amount of the net settlement proceeds against the $31,000 due on Note 2. [3]