Court Opinion

ID: 9514325
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-06 22:48:41.391567+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T09:06:16.115628
License: Public Domain

MILLER, Chief Justice
(concurring in result).
[¶ 17] Although I agree that this case must be affirmed, I respectfully disagree with the theory adopted by the majority. As the majority notes, this case was submitted to the jury on theories of breach of contract, breach of warranty, negligence and negligent misrepresentation. Neoplan’s sole claim of error flows from its disagreement with the manner in which the trial court instructed the jury on the UCC claims. Because the jury returned a general verdict, we have no idea which theory the jury used in awarding damages.
[¶ 18] In view of the majority’s discussion in ¶ 6 et seq., it obviously assumes that the damages were awarded on UCC claims under SDCL ch 57A-2. However, I suggest that is mere speculation. We could just as easily assume the jury awarded damages on the basis of negligent misrepresentation, where there is no challenge to the validity of the instructions.
[¶ 19] Importantly, Neoplan concedes that the jury was properly instructed on all of the other issues. Under the settled law of this state, ⅜ a jury returns a general verdict and at least one proper theory was submitted to the jury, we will assume that the verdict was returned on the theory or theories properly submitted. Koupal & Anton, Inc. v. Wieczorek, 375 N.W.2d 639, 641 (S.D.1985) (citing Mid-America Mktg. Corp. v. Dakota Indus., Inc., 289 N.W.2d 797, 799 (S.D.1980); Eberle v. Siouxland Packing Co., Inc., 266 N.W.2d 256, 258 (S.D.1978); Aschoff v. Mobil Oil Corp., 261 N.W.2d 120, 124 (S.D.1977)).
[¶ 20] Considering all of the above, coupled with the scant record presented to us by Neoplan, we must affirm. I respectfully suggest that the majority’s discussion of the law of damages beginning at ¶ 6 is unnecessary. I would omit ¶ 6 through ¶ 12, because I believe this portion of the opinion is based on speculation about damages and is merely advisory dicta.