Meredith v. Hanson

Ronald and Donald Meredith sued Glenna Hanson seeking damages for emotional distress caused by witnessing Hanson's car strike and kill their stepfather. The brothers appeal the verdict in their favor for $2,600 each. They argue it was error to subtract 50 percent from the verdict because of their stepfather's contributory negligence, and that evidence of their stepfather's criminal history was improperly admitted. The plaintiffs also argue that the trial court erred by failing to give an instruction on their theory of the case. We conclude the trial court erred and remand.

On July 29, 1978,…