Opinion ID: 2001791
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: proof of fiduciary duty and breach of contract

Text: The trial court allowed the jury to consider awarding separate damages on both theories in Stamison's counterclaim, which is permissible under some circumstances. See Merrill Iron & Steel v. Minn-Dak Seeds, Ltd., 334 N.W.2d 652 (N.D.1983). But the court gave no direction on how the jury should differentiate between damages allowable under breach of contract and those permissible under breach of fiduciary duty so that a verdict would not yield double damages. See Nelson v. WEB Water Dev. Ass'n, 507 N.W.2d 691 (S.D.1993); Greenwood Ranches, Inc. v. Skie Const. Co., 629 F.2d 518 (8th Cir.1980) (applying South Dakota law); SDCL 21-1-5. On the contrary, the court instructed the jury that it could award damages for loss of business reputation for breach of contract or breach of fiduciary duty which suggests that such loss could be different, and thus compensable, under each theory. For these and other reasons set forth below we are compelled to reverse and remand. High Plains contends that both theories were legally and factually inadequate to go to the jury. For the guidance of counsel and the court we will address the legal propriety of both theories and the trial court's rulings.