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Lila M. ADAMS as personal representative of the Estate of Wallace J. Adams Jr. deceased by substitution Plaintiff-Appellee
vs.
FRONTIER AIRLINES FEDERAL CREDIT UNION Defendant-Appellant
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Issues:
Breach of contract, evidence.
Case Summary:
Officials at the Frontier Airlines Federal Credit Union appeal a lower court's ruling in a breach of contract suit involving a former employee. Credit union officers fired Wallace Adams, citing incompetence in his duties as executive director. Wallace worked for the credit union for more than 10 years and had recently attempted to negotiate a buy out of his existing employment contract. Wallace subsequently filed suit, charging the credit union with breach of contract.
Decision of lower jurisdiction:
A trial court jury ruled for Wallace and awarded him $109,000 for actual damages and an additional $150,000 for mental anguish. The credit union now appeals.
Outcome:
A split decision. The Colorado Court of Appeals, Division One, affirmed the lower court's judgment on the claim for actual damages. However, the court reversed the award for mental anguish. The appeals court ruled the lower court issued improper instructions to the jury. The appeals court remanded the case for a new trial.