Allstate Insurance v. Durham

Harwell, Chief Justice:

Allstate Insurance Company (Allstate) appeals the denial of its motion for a new trial based on the inadequacy of a jury verdict, alleging that the trial judge abused his discretion in refusing to grant a new trial. We agree and reverse.

I. FACTS

On August 24, 1988, Randall Durham (Durham) performed plumbing services in the home of Lawrence J. and Linda M. McReynolds, which included the connection of lavatories in the upstairs bathroom. Three months later, a water line Durham had installed separated from its lavatory connection and flooded the majority of the McReynolds’…