In an action for the recovery of specific personal property, if the property has not been delivered to the plaintiff or if the defendant, by the defendant's answer, claims a return of the property, the jury, if the verdict is in favor of the plaintiff or if the verdict is in favor of the defendant and the jury also finds that the defendant is entitled to a return of the property, shall find the value of the property. However, failure to find all the facts mentioned in this section may not invalidate the verdict. The jury may at the same time assess the damages, if damages are claimed in the complaint or answer, that the prevailing party has sustained by reason of the taking or detention of the property.
§ 25-7-503, MCA