Opinion ID: 1773312
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Oak Bluff's Cross-Appeal

Text: On cross-appeal, Oak Bluff argues the trial court erred in not granting a directed verdict at the close of all of the evidence or entering judgment notwithstanding the verdict on Oak Bluff's claim for breach of contract in Count I. A directed verdict is a drastic action to be taken sparingly and only where reasonable persons in an honest and impartial exercise in their duty could not differ on a correct disposition of the case. Bank of Kirksville v. Small, 742 S.W.2d 127, 129 (Mo. banc 1987). This Court reviews the evidence and reasonable inferences therefrom in the light most favorable to the jury's verdict, disregarding evidence to the contrary. Seitz v. Lemay Bank and Trust Co., 959 S.W.2d 458, 461 (Mo. banc 1998). In this case, Oak Bluff failed to make payment on or before August 1, 1996. Though Simmons testified that he mailed a check to Meyer on July 31, 1996, the postmark on the envelope mailed to Meyer was August 1, 1996. The check Meyer received on August 3, 1996, was a facsimile copy of a photocopy of a check drawn on Oak Bluff's account. It was within the jury's discretion to determine whether Oak Bluff defaulted on its obligation to pay Meyer and to determine whether or not Meyer breached the contract. There is competent evidence to support the jury's verdict. The judgment on this point is affirmed pursuant to Rule 84.16(b). The judgment entered on Counts I and III is affirmed. The judgment entered on Count II is reversed. All concur.