Lightfoot v. Peninsula Equine Medical and Surgery Group
After a six-day jury trial, plaintiff and respondent Harold Lightfoot, the owner an Arabian gelding named Crystals Charm (but usually referred to as Red, a name we shall use hereafter), was awarded $60,000 in damages as the result of false representations made by the defendants and appellants, an equine veterinarian and his San Mateo County-based company, regarding the consequences of performing palmar digital neurectomies on both of Reds front legs. As a consequence of the performance of these procedures by appellants, Lightfoot alleged, and the jury apparently found, Red was thereafter unable to compete in international competition, a fact which caused Lightfoot monetary damage. Appellants ask this court to reverse, contending there was no substantial evidence of either (1) false statements having been made by appellant, Dr. Russell Peterson, to Lightfoot or (2) any intent on the part of appellants to mislead Lightfoot or induce his reliance on a false representation. Court agree with the latter portion of this argument and hence reverse the judgment.
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