Opinion ID: 2581913
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Most Significant Relation Test

Text: Idaho applies the most significant relation test as set forth in the Restatement (Second) of Conflict of Laws § 145 in determining the applicable law. In a tort case the following considerations must be taken into account: (a) the place where the injury occurred, (b) the place where the conduct causing the injury occurred, (c) the domicile, residence, nationality, place of incorporation and place of business of the parties, and (d) the place where the relationship, if any, between the parties is centered. Seubert Excavators, Inc. v. Anderson Logging Co., 126 Idaho 648, 651, 889 P.2d 82, 85 (1995) (citing Johnson v. Pischke, 108 Idaho 397, 400, 700 P.2d 19, 22 (1985)). Of these contacts, the most important in guiding this Court's past decisions in tort cases has been the place where the injury occurred. Id. (citing Barringer v. State, 111 Idaho 794, 727 P.2d 1222 (1986)). Since this is a malpractice action, these tort principles apply. Applying the facts of this case, it is clear that Oregon substantive law applies. The injury occurred in Ontario, Oregon, in Isom's office. The alleged negligence occurred in the same office. The parties lived in Idaho, but Isom's place of business was in Oregon, which could support the application of either Idaho or Oregon law. Finally, the parties' relationship was centered in Oregon. They met at Isom's office, and this is where the surgery occurred. Once these factors are considered, they are evaluated in light of the following policy concerns: (a) the needs of the interstate and international systems, (b) the relevant policies of the forum, (c) the relevant policies of other interested states and the relative interests of those states in the determination of the particular issue, (d) the protection of justified expectations, (e) the basic policies underlying the particular field of law, (f) certainty, predictability, and uniformity of result, and (g) the ease in the determination and application of the law to be applied. RESTATEMENT (SECOND) OF CONFLICTS OF LAWS § 6; DeMeyer v. Maxwell, 103 Idaho 327, 329, 647 P.2d 783, 785 (Ct.App.1982). These policies support the application of Oregon law. The needs of the interstate and international systems are not likely implicated in this case. In considering relevant policies of other states it is clear that Oregon has an interest in making certain that oral surgeons practicing in Oregon are subject to Oregon laws and the Oregon standard of care. The defendants would justifiably expect to be governed by Oregon law, since they were licensed in Oregon and in this case conducted their business in Oregon. The basic policy of negligence law is to allow a person to recover from injury proximately caused by another's violation of a duty of reasonable care. DeMeyer, 103 Idaho at 330, 647 P.2d at 786. As a general rule, a victim should recover under the system in place where the injury occurred. Predictability and ease in determining and applying law are also better served by applying Oregon law, because it is a simple policy that the place of the injury should generally govern the choice of law. The Grovers are correct that in DeMeyer, the Court of Appeals held that the place of the injury does not always control the choice of law. However, that case and this case are distinguishable. In DeMeyer the plaintiff and her sister were driving through Oregon at the time of an automobile accident. Id. at 328, 647 P.2d at 784. The Court of Appeals ruled that under subpart (d) of Restatement Section 6 none of the parties had any expectation that Oregon law would apply. Id. at 329, 647 P.2d at 785. The Court of Appeals described the plaintiffs' presence in Oregon as fortuitous, as the plaintiffs were simply driving through Oregon while going between Washington and Idaho. Id. at 330, 647 P.2d at 786. This case is factually different. Grover's presence in Oregon was not fortuitousshe purposefully went to Oregon for the operation. Isom and Berg were practicing in Oregon and had every expectation that Oregon law would govern their business in Oregon. The conduct causing the injury, as well as the injury itself, occurred in Oregon. Isom's place of business was located in Oregon. The only factor that justifies the application of Idaho law is that the parties are Idaho residents. Every other factor supports the application of Oregon law. The district court correctly ruled that Oregon substantive law applied to this case.