Background:

• Transaction: Ford purchased an outdoor furnace for $18,400 but requested a refund within 48 hours.
• Dispute: Atlantic Outdoor Furnaces refused to refund, claiming the sale was final.
• Initial Trial: Small Claims Court ruled for Ford, awarding $20,023.24 including prejudgment interest and costs.

Key Issues:

• Adjournments: Multiple adjournments due to Michaud's illness; final request denied due to lack of medical evidence.
• Trial Outcome: The court ruled in Ford’s favor when Atlantic Outdoor Furnaces did not attend the trial.
• Appeal Grounds: Alleged jurisdictional error, error of law, and denial of natural justice.

Appeal Findings:

1. Jurisdiction: The court had proper jurisdiction.
2. Natural Justice: Denial of the fourth adjournment and proceeding with the trial did not violate natural justice.
3. Damages: Atlantic Outdoor Furnaces failed to prove damages but was awarded nominal damages due to Ford’s breach.

Final Orders:

• Damages: Atlantic Outdoor Furnaces awarded $750 plus $75 prejudgment interest.
• Refund: Ford awarded $17,575 plus $1,523 prejudgment interest, totaling $19,098.
• Conclusion: Atlantic Outdoor Furnaces retains the furnace and must pay Ford $19,098. Appeal otherwise dismissed.

Observations:

• Both parties escalated the dispute with poor communication.
• Michaud's health claims were unsubstantiated, impacting the case proceedings.