Opinion ID: 1804374
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Standard of Review on Contract Claim.

Text: Where a breach-of-contract claim is tried as a law action, our review is for correction of errors of law. See Land O'Lakes, Inc. v. Hanig, 610 N.W.2d 518, 522 (Iowa 2000). To the extent the validity of the contract turns on an interpretation of chapter 384, we also review for correction of legal error. See Top of Iowa Coop. v. Sime Farms, Inc., 608 N.W.2d 454, 460 (Iowa 2000). The trial court's legal conclusions and application of legal principles are not binding on the appellate court. See Land O'Lakes, 610 N.W.2d at 522. In contrast, any findings of fact made by the trial court are binding on appeal if supported by substantial evidence. See Van Oort Constr. Co. v. Nuckoll's Concrete Serv., Inc., 599 N.W.2d 684, 689 (Iowa 1999). `Evidence is substantial for purposes of sustaining a finding of fact when a reasonable mind would accept it as adequate to reach a conclusion.' Land O'Lakes, 610 N.W.2d at 522 (quoting Falczynski v. Amoco Oil Co., 533 N.W.2d 226, 230 (Iowa 1995)). The evidence is viewed in a light most favorable to the trial court's judgment. Van Oort Constr., 599 N.W.2d at 689.