Van Laningham v. Van Wormer Resorts
This lawsuit was brought by plaintiffs and respondents Nancy Van Laningham and Baja Fishing and Resorts, Inc. against defendants and appellants Carlos Van Wormer Ruiz, Robert Van Wormer, and Roberto Van Wormer. The case went to the jury on a single cause of action for breach of contract. Plaintiffs prevailed, and on special verdicts, the jury awarded $417,326 for past economic loss and $2.9 million for future economic loss, for a total of $3,317,326 in damages. Defendants moved for new trial or a conditional remittitur on the grounds of excessive damages. The court denied the motion, finding that "It's a high number, but it's not an unreasonable number. . . . It's a big number. It's a big contract." On appeal, defendants again contend that the damages were excessive, contrary to the evidence, and were the result of passion or prejudice on the part of the jury. Court affirm.
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