Opinion ID: 1242512
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Res Judicata and Collateral Estoppel Issue

Text: Having held that Link's appeal of the summary judgment order is timely, we now address the School district's argument that Link's breach of contract action is barred by res judicata or Collateral estoppel . Promissory estoppel and contract are separate and distinct causes of action. Duke Power Co. v. South Carolina Public Service Com'n , 284 S.C. 81, 326 S.E. (2d) 395 (1985). Accordingly, the School District's argument that a general verdict on the promissory estoppel cause of action precludes the contract action is without merit. Accordingly, we reverse the judgment of the lower court and remand the case for a new trial as to Link's breach of contract action. Reversed and remanded. GREGORY, C.J., and HARWELL, CHANDLER and TOTAL, JJ., concur.