Roche v. Young Bro's.

HEARN, Judge:

George Roche brought this negligence action against Young Brothers, Inc., of Florence, d/b/a Days Inn East (Young Brothers), as the result of a slip-and-fall accident in the motel parking lot.1 Young Brothers failed to answer the complaint in a timely manner and was found in default. A damages hearing was held before a circuit court judge resulting in an award of $15,000 actual and $30,000 punitive damages. This award was reversed on appeal, however, because Young Brothers was not given notice of the damages hearing. On remand, the case was referred to a special referee for a…