The Missouri Court of Appeals for the Western District has firmly upheld a $5.18 million verdict in a property damage case involving Racket Merchandise Company. This decision comes as the court rejected attempts by the defendants to contest the ruling made by the Jackson County Circuit Court. According to the appellate court, the defendants failed to adequately challenge the jury instructions in the initial negligence suit. The dispute stemmed from damage that occurred when demolition and repair work on the defendants’ properties adversely affected a building owned by Racket Merchandise.
The defendants, identified as 718 Grand, Power & Light Properties, and U.S. Property, argued that the trial court allowed the jury to consider overlapping damages that lacked a crucial knowledge element. Despite these arguments, the court found the jury’s conclusions to be sufficiently supported by the evidence presented. This verdict highlights the importance of precise preservation of objections during trial to avoid such affirmations in higher courts.
For further details, you can read the complete analysis and court opinion.