Opinion ID: 1279862
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: csx's appeal

Text: CSX raises a number of issues on appeal, including claims that it was entitled to a directed verdict on both of Plaintiff's negligence theories, that a number of evidentiary errors require a new trial absolute, and that, at the very least, the punitive damages award cannot stand in light of the United States Supreme Court's intervening decision in State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co. v. Campbell, 538 U.S. 408, 123 S.Ct. 1513, 155 L.Ed.2d 585 (2003). We find merit in CSX's assertion of reversible error arising from Plaintiff's Green Street Bridge repair claim, and find that several other evidentiary rulings prejudiced CSX. Further, we hold that the United States Supreme Court's decision in Campbell requires, even in the absence of other errors, that a new punitive damages hearing be held. See Durham v. Vinson, 360 S.C. 639, 602 S.E.2d 760 (2004). We address CSX's appellate issues below.