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Astaldi Construction Corp. v. M. Held Plumbing Co.

Citations: 710 So. 2d 225; 1998 Fla. App. LEXIS 5278Docket: No. 97-1167

Court: District Court of Appeal of Florida; May 13, 1998; Florida; State Appellate Court

Narrative Opinion Summary

Astaldi Construction Corp. appeals a final judgment from a jury verdict in a breach of contract case involving disputes with subcontractor M. Held Plumbing. The jury found that Astaldi breached agreements on six projects, awarding Held damages totaling $973,422.04. The trial court entered a judgment based on this verdict. The appellate court affirms the judgment, citing substantial competent evidence supporting the jury's findings on all issues. Additionally, the court holds that the trial court did not abuse its discretion regarding the evidentiary rulings challenged on appeal, specifically referencing that the inadvertent disclosure of attorney-client privileged documents does not waive that privilege. The final judgment is thus affirmed.

Legal Issues Addressed

Breach of Contract and Damages

Application: The court addresses a breach of contract claim where the jury found that the appellant breached agreements on multiple projects and awarded damages to the appellee.

Reasoning: The jury found that Astaldi breached agreements on six projects, awarding Held damages totaling $973,422.04.

Evidentiary Rulings and Abuse of Discretion

Application: The appellate court finds no abuse of discretion in the trial court's evidentiary rulings challenged on appeal, particularly concerning the handling of privileged documents.

Reasoning: The court holds that the trial court did not abuse its discretion regarding the evidentiary rulings challenged on appeal, specifically referencing that the inadvertent disclosure of attorney-client privileged documents does not waive that privilege.

Standard of Review for Jury Verdict

Application: The appellate court affirms the trial court's judgment based on the jury verdict, emphasizing the presence of substantial competent evidence supporting the jury's findings.

Reasoning: The appellate court affirms the judgment, citing substantial competent evidence supporting the jury's findings on all issues.