Court Opinion

ID: 9599977
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-22 01:22:35.897222+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T09:04:04.340060
License: Public Domain

ALARID, Judge (concurring in part and dissenting in part). Although I agree with the majority result on the issue of punitive damages, I would leave the verdict as to compensatory damages standing. The failure to give a mandatory instruction does not create a presumption of prejudice necessitating reversal. Jewell v. Seidenberg, 82 N.M. 120, 477 P.2d 296 (1970). The record must be reviewed to determine evidence of prejudice before reversal is appropriate. Id. Because I find substantive, independent evidence supporting the award of compensatory damages, I am not convinced of the existence of prejudice affecting this award. The judgment for compensatory damages should be affirmed.