Opinion ID: 1451383
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Propriety of Costs Award

Text: In his motion for costs, Greenspun requested approximately $222,823; the motion was made pursuant to NRS 18.020(3) and 17.115, as well as Rule 68. Schwartz opposed the motion on the basis that certain items of costs were not specifically authorized by statute and that the amounts were unreasonable. After a hearing, the district court issued its order awarding Greenspun, as the prevailing party, $125,000 in costs. Schwartz appealed. An award of costs to the prevailing party is mandated where, as here, damages were sought in an amount in excess of $2,500. See NRS 18.020(3) and Day v. West Coast Holdings, 101 Nev. 260, 264, 699 P.2d 1067, 1070 (1985) (allowance of costs in action at law is mandatory and not subject to court's discretion). Costs were also payable to Greenspun as a matter of right under NRS 17.115(4)(b) (where judgment is not more favorable than the offer, the offeror is entitled to taxable costs). The district court retains discretion, however, in determining the reasonableness of the amounts and the items of cost to be awarded. See Bergmann v. Boyce, 109 Nev. 670, 856 P.2d 560 (1993); Arnold v. Mt. Wheeler Power, 101 Nev. 612, 615, 707 P.2d 1137, 1139 (1985); see generally NRS 18.005. Schwartz insists that the district court abused its discretion by failing to specify items of cost allowed and disallowed, thereby leaving to speculation whether the awarded costs included items which are not specified in NRS 18.005. [4] Unfortunately, the record, though voluminous, provides us with no basis for determining whether the district court abused its discretion in rendering the cost award. However, where, as here, the record is as susceptible of one conclusion as another, it will not be presumed that the district court erred. Dillon v. Dillon, 68 Nev. 151, 153, 227 P.2d 783, 784 (1951). We will not reverse an order or judgment unless error is affirmatively shown. Charmicor, Inc., v. Bradshaw Finance Co., 92 Nev. 310, 313, 550 P.2d 413, 415 (1976). Schwartz has failed to demonstrate that the district court erred in its cost award. The record is devoid of any evidence which demonstrates that Schwartz sought to obtain an itemization of the costs included in the award. As the party challenging the award of costs, Schwartz should have created and transmitted to this court a record that would demonstrate error in the court below. See M & R Investment Co. v. Mandarino, 103 Nev. 711, 718, 748 P.2d 488, 493 (1987). His failure to do so precludes review of this issue. The cost award is therefore affirmed.