Spreitzer v. Hawkeye State Bank

CADY, Justice.

In this appeal and cross-appeal, we consider whether there was sufficient evidence to support a jury verdict for fraudulent misrepresentation and whether a claim for punitive damages should have been submitted to the jury. In doing so, we primarily examine the justifiable-reliance element of the tort and the requirement that the misrepresentation cause the damage claimed. The district court entered judgment for fraud based on a jury verdict, but refused to submit a claim for punitive damages. The court of appeals held there was insufficient evidence to support the verdict for…