Cocke v. Odom
Cocke v. Odom
Opinion
Plaintiff sued defendant alleging misrepresentation and breach of agreement. The case was tried before the trial judge sitting without a jury. After an ore tenus hearing, the trial court entered judgment for defendant. Plaintiff appeals.
The only issue presented is whether the trial court's judgment is supported by the evidence.
The facts of the case are basically undisputed. In December 1975 plaintiff contacted defendant regarding the repair of her residential swimming pool. The pool was twenty-five years old and had not previously been repaired. Defendant inspected the pool for leaks and determined that the leaks could be repaired.
Plaintiff and defendant subsequently entered into a written contract for the repair of the pool. The contract stated that: "All material is guaranteed to be as specified. All work to be completed in a workmanlike manner according to standard practices." There was a guarantee of materials and labor for a period of one year.
The work on the pool was completed on June 10, 1976. The pool was presumably filled and used. Some months later the pool began to lose water. Defendant was contacted about the problem but failed to inspect the pool or take any action. Plaintiff then filed this suit on June 7, 1977, alleging misrepresentation and breach of agreement for failure to perform the work in a good and workmanlike manner.
Plaintiff argues on appeal that the evidence at trial clearly established her right to recovery under both theories.
The representations which plaintiff relies upon are preliminary statements by the defendant that he could repair the pool and that he would do so in a workmanlike manner. Such alleged oral representation became merged in the subsequent written guarantee. Guilford v. Spartan Food Systems, Inc.,
In order to recover for breach of agreement, the plaintiff has the burden of showing that an agreement existed; that defendant breached that agreement; and that plaintiff was damaged by the breach. See Blue Dolphin Pools of theTri-Cities, Inc. v. Johnson,
We are also impressed with the absence of proof of damage, unless the measure was intended to be the total contract price. That is uncertain because there was evidence that a pump and heater contained in the contract were used in construction of a new pool. There was no amount of damage otherwise shown.
The judgment of the trial court is affirmed.
AFFIRMED.
BRADLEY and HOLMES, JJ., concur.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- Rhoda S. Cocke v. E.E. Odom.
- Cited By
- 6 cases
- Status
- Published