Rhodes v. Erion

OPINION

FABE, Chief Justice.

I. INTRODUCTION

Evie Rhodes was involved in a car accident with Becky Erion, and Rhodes sued Erion. Erion made three offers of judgment to Rhodes under Alaska Civil Rule 68, but Rhodes failed to accept these offers. The case proceeded to trial, and the jury awarded Rhodes $18,281.85 in damages. This verdict was at least five percent less favorable to Rhodes than an offer made by Erion, and Rhodes was therefore liable for fifty percent of Erion's reasonable actual attorney's fees under Rule 68. The trial court awarded fees of $42,263.50, which offset the damages…