Opinion ID: 1936175
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: whether the trial court was correct in denying the j.n.o.v./new trial motion because there was sufficient evidence to support plaintiff's claim for negligent misrepresentation?

Text: RKW's first two arguments focus on whether Allan and his mother, Helen, relied on RKW's statement that there was no coverage for Joe's death. Allan and Helen's basic theory at trial seemed to be that RKW deceived them about the applicable coverage, and, as a result, they did not file a timely claim. The jury was instructed on three theories: (a) breach of fiduciary duty, (b) negligent misrepresentation, and (c) fraudulent misrepresentation. RKW argues that, because reliance is an element of both negligent and fraudulent misrepresentation, and because Allan and Helen did not believe RKW's misrepresentation, Allan and Helen were not entitled to recover. However, considering the evidence in the light most favorable to the appellees, this argument fails. There is evidence that the Hensons relied on RKW's representations. Allan testified numerous times that he depended on RKW to tend to his insurance needs. Furthermore, Allan gave testimony that on previous occasions, he had called RKW and they had taken care of claims as well as certificates of insurance for clients. RKW employed a full-time claims person during this period who could have helped Allan file the appropriate forms. Allan admitted that he was not knowledgeable about the insurance aspect of his father's business, but stated that he relied on RKW because his father had in the past. Allan testified that he may have signed some insurance forms before, but that he never filled in the information on the forms. Allan testified that he repeatedly requested a copy of the policy and RKW never provided him with one. The jury could have believed that Allan told RKW that his father died while working, and that Allan asked RKW to help him get the benefits to which he was entitled, and that RKW told him there was no coverage. Allan and Helen made further inquiries, and discussed the matter with their attorneys. RKW told the attorneys that there was no coverage. Thus, given the standard of review outlined above, there was substantial evidence that Allan and Helen relied on RKW's statement that there was no coverage, and did not file a claim for the benefits to which Helen was entitled. In addition, although the jury was instructed on negligent and fraudulent misrepresentation, it was also instructed on breach of fiduciary duty. The jury could have found that RKW breached a fiduciary relationship  regardless of whether Allan and Helen believed RKW or not. Therefore, RKW's argument on this point is without merit.