Jones v. Winn-Dixie Greenville, Inc.

Shaw, Judge:

Willie Jones instituted this action against Winn-Dixie Greenville, Inc., alleging slander, outrage, false imprisonment, assault and battery. A jury found for Jones and awarded him $25,000 actual and $50,000 punitive damages for assault and battery and $25,000 actual and $50,000 punitive for false imprisonment. The trial court, sua sponte, reformed the verdict to one award of $25,000 actual and $50,000 punitive damages at which point Winn-Dixie moved for Jones to elect his remedy. The trial court denied Jones’ motion to reinstate the jury’s verdict and Jones appeals. We reverse.

On…