Opinion ID: 1383145
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Whether the jury's verdict was supported by substantial evidence.

Text: The standard of review for a motion for new trial or, in the alternative, a motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict, is the same for each, i.e., whether there is substantial evidence to support the jury verdict. Pearson v. Henrickson, 336 Ark. 12, 983 S.W.2d 419 (1999); Esry v. Carden, 328 Ark. 153, 942 S.W.2d 846 (1997). In determining whether a new trial should be granted, a trial court may not substitute its view of the evidence for that of the jury in granting a new trial unless the verdict is clearly against a preponderance of the evidence. See Razorback Cab of Fort Smith, Inc. v. Martin, 313 Ark. 445, 856 S.W.2d 2 (1993). As stated above, based upon the evidence adduced at trial and the testimony of the experts on both sides, we cannot say that the jury's verdict was clearly against the preponderance of the evidence. As such, the only question remaining is whether there was substantial evidence to support the jury's verdict. Substantial evidence is defined as evidence of sufficient force and character to compel a conclusion one way or the other with reasonable certainty; it must force the mind to pass beyond suspicion or conjecture. Hall v. Grimmett, supra . In addition, we have held that in examining whether substantial evidence exists, all evidence must be examined in the light most favorable to the party on whose behalf the judgment was entered and given its highest probative value, taking into account all reasonable inferences deducible from it. Id. In the instant case, when the evidence is viewed in a light most favorable to Nationwide, clearly substantial evidence existed to support the jury's verdict in Nationwide's favor. Certainly, in light of the evidence and testimony discussed above, there was ample evidence of a substantial nature which quite plainly supported the jury's verdict and which was, at the very least, the equivalent of any countervailing evidence. Nonetheless, Gibson appears to be attacking the weight given the opinions of Nationwide's experts. Gibson cites no authority whatsoever, however, for the proposition that a verdict cannot be sustained because the experts presented by both parties disagree and espouse opposing theories. First of all, juries are not bound to accept an expert opinion as conclusive, but should give it whatever weight they think it should have and may disregard any opinion testimony if they find it to be unreasonable. See AMI 106. Secondly, the law is quite clear that a qualified expert's opinion constitutes substantial evidence unless it is shown that the expert's opinion is without a reasonable basis. Buchanna v. Diehl, 98 F.3d 366, 369 (8 th Cir.1996), quoting Ford Motor Co. v. Massey, 313 Ark. 345, 855 S.W.2d 897, 899 (1993). Again, Gibson, like the plaintiff in Buchanna , cannot argue that Andres or Buie were not properly qualified because Gibson did not object to the testimony and opinions of either based on their qualification. Moreover, there was a reasonable basis for both of their opinions. Gibson had an opportunity to cross-examine each of them to try to show that their opinions had a questionable basis. Such an opportunity was all that was required, and the jury was entitled to credit the testimony of Andres and Buie if it so chose, which obviously it did. In short, when viewed in a light most favorable to Nationwide, substantial evidence clearly existed to support the jury's verdict in its favor. Therefore, as such, we cannot say that the trial court erred in denying appellant's motion for new trial or, in the alternative, a motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict.