Opinion ID: 2786368
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Need for Reversal

Text: We must reverse if the jury might have relied on an erroneous jury instruction. Level 3 Commc’n, LLC v. Liebert Corp., 535 F.3d 1146, 1158 (10th Cir. 2008). Thus, reversal is warranted even if it is “very unlikely” that the jury relied on the erroneous standard. Id. We conclude that the jury might have relied on the erroneous directthreat standard; thus, reversal is warranted. The inaccurate standard appeared prominently in the instruction, and the verdict form directed the jury to consider that erroneous standard. See Appellant’s App. at 91 (“Did Defendant Beverage Distributors prove . . . both elements of its affirmative defense that Mr. Sungaila’s employment in the Night Warehouse position posed a direct threat to himself or other employees . . . ?” (emphasis added)). Because the instruction and verdict form could have misled the jury on the standard, we must reverse.