J.E. Merit Constructors, Inc. v. Cooper

Tom Glaze, Justice.

We assume jurisdiction of this tort case pursuant to Ark. R. Sup. Ct. 1-2(g) in order to achieve a fair allocation of the appellate workload. Appellant J. E. Merit Constructors, Inc. (Merit) raises eight points for reversal of a jury award in the amount of $150,000.00 in favor of appellee Louise Cooper, who sued Merit, alleging L. K. Webb, an employee of Merit’s, negligently caused serious injuries to Cooper’s face and left jaw.

Taking Merit’s points in the order presented, we first consider its argument that the trial court erred in denying Merit’s motion for directed…