Opinion ID: 2229677
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: conversion of nelson's salary and benefits.

Text: The trial court granted summary judgment for WEB on Nelson's claim alleging that WEB converted his salary and benefits. It is our opinion that this action lies in breach of contract and not conversion. See Clapp v. Gilt Edge Consol. Mines Co., 33 S.D. 123, 128-29, 144 N.W. 721, 723 (1913). No person may recover a greater amount in damages for the breach of an obligation than he could have gained by full performance on both sides absent statutory exemplary damages. SDCL 21-1-5. Nelson may not recover damages twice for the same injury simply because he pleads two legal theoriesone in breach of contract and one in tort. Greenwood Ranches, Inc. v. Skie Constr. Co., 629 F.2d 518, 521 (8th Cir.1980) (applying South Dakota law, and holding that the plaintiff was not entitled to a separate damage award where each cause of action was simply an alternate theory seeking relief for the same wrong); Hoovestol v. Security State Bank, 479 N.W.2d 854, 862 (N.D.1992) (holding that a party may not recover twice for the same injury simply because he has two legal theories). Therefore, we affirm the trial court's grant of summary judgment on the claim of conversion.