Lengel v. Tom Jenkins Realty, Inc.

Cureton, Judge:

Respondents Frank and Elizabeth Lengel brought this negligence and conversion action against the appellant Tom Jenkins Realty, Inc. The jury awarded them $793.67 actual and $3,000 punitive damages on the negligence cause of action and $570 on the conversion cause of action. Tom Jenkins appeals only the negligence awards. We affirm the award of actual damages and reverse the award of punitive damages.

In late July or early August 1979 the Lengels contacted William Buchanan, an agent of Tom Jenkins, seeking assistance in locating a home in Columbia. At that time Mr. Lengel was…