Court Opinion

ID: 9587363
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-21 23:21:22.585841+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T17:38:13.300111
License: Public Domain

McMurray, Judge,
dissenting.
This case involves a suit for damages resulting from certain faulty repairs made by General GMC Trucks, Inc. to the engine of a GMC tractor owned by Crockett. The damages allegedly resulted in the complete destruction of the engine. Crockett sought replacement engine cost, the loss of use of the aforesaid tractor unit and other additional damages including exemplary damages and attorney fees.
After a jury trial plaintiff recovered $11,606.08. Defendant then filed a motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict or in the alternative for new trial. This motion was denied, and defendant appeals in Case number 54837. Plaintiff cross appeals in Case number 54838 for the purpose of considering certain rulings made by the trial court during the course of the trial in the event the Court of Appeals finds there was reversible error in the main appeal.
The majority here is in agreement that the judgment should be affirmed. I agree fully with the majority in the opinion as written, except for Division 3, and the judgment of affirmance. It is my opinion that the trial court erred in charging the jury as to a fiduciary relationship existing between plaintiff and defendant inasmuch as there was no special confidence reposed in the defendant by the plaintiff other than an ordinary bailment to repair the vehicle. Such trust and confidence does not create a confidential relationship. See Dover v. *507Burns, 186 Ga. 19, 26 (196 SE 785). Compare Walsh v. Campbell, 130 Ga. App. 194 (202 SE2d 657), Lewis v. Alderman, 117 Ga. App. 855 (2) (162 SE2d 440). Accordingly, I would reverse inasmuch as I consider this error in the charge as being meritorious. It cannot be said that this error was harmless.
I therefore respectfully dissent in Case no. 54837.
I am authorized to state that Presiding Judge Quillian joins in this dissent.