Alfa Mutual Fire Ins. Co. v. Payton

Alfa Mutual Fire Insurance Company ("Alfa") issued Tracie F. Payton a policy of insurance entitled "Standard Fire Policy." More than two years after issuing the policy, Alfa declined coverage for a claim for water damage caused by an air conditioner. Payton sued Alfa, seeking compensatory and punitive damages for fraudulent misrepresentation and suppression relating to the sale of the policy. The case proceeded to trial. The trial court denied Alfa's preverdict motion for a judgment as a matter of law ("JML") and submitted Payton's claims to the jury. The jury returned a verdict in favor of…