Steele v. Dillard

I disagree with the analysis by the majority in regard to the law in South Carolina on verdict forms in comparative negligence cases.

The evidentiary record is not complicated. In fact, it is the prototypical comparative negligence case tried involving only two parties.1

RULE 49

The efficacy or consequence of “jury verdict forms” for comparative negligence cases in a trial setting is novel in South Carolina.

*347It is apodictic that Rule 49, SCRCP, controls in regard to verdict forms submitted to the jury. Rule 49(a) provides:(a) Special Verdicts. The court may require a jury to return only a special…