Jernigan v. Happoldt

This appeal concerns the availability of prejudgment interest as an element of recoverable damages in the context of a dispute involving a construction contract.

Robert Jernigan, a sole proprietor who does business under the trade name "Jernigan Construction Company," entered into an agreement in November 2001 with Charles Happoldt and Melinda Happoldt under which Jernigan agreed to construct a new residence for the Happoldts. According to the parties' written contract, payment for Jernigan's work was to be made partially on a fixed-wage basis and partially on a "cost-plus" basis, with…