Opinion ID: 1095990
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: The Lower Court Erred in Limiting the Defendants' Discovery of the Physical Condition of Witnesses

Text: During discovery the defendants noticed the depositions of sixteen children who attended Long Beach Junior High who, along with Swan, were represented by Swan's counsel. These students are: Gretchen Dawn Bell, Sean Curlee, Melissa Dedeaux, Misty Dedeaux, Terri Haas, Libby Kenworthy, Dawn Lawson, Ruth Locke, Angela Merrill, Pamela Merrill, Monica Miles, Tracy Parks, Henry Polk, Frankie Robbins, William Frazier and Alana Saucier. These children were allegedly also exposed to the chemicals during the spraying operation. The defendants only deposed four of the students: Tracy Parks, Gretchen Bell, Sean Curlee and William Frazier. Swan and the remaining students filed a motion for a protective order prohibiting the depositions of the other students on the grounds of relevance and cumulativeness. The trial court overruled the protective order but ruled that inquiry of these deponents regarding their physical condition resulting from alleged toxic exposure and treatment by physicians will be limited to October 8, 9 and 10, 1985, and those deponents will not be required to answer any questions regarding any medical treatment received after those dates. On cross-appeal, the defendants contend that the trial court abused its discretion in limiting the depositions and argue that if the case is remanded, they should be allowed to depose the students with regard to their physical condition and treatment received after October 10, 1985. If not, they contend that the students should not be allowed to testify at the trial. They argue that the students' physical condition after October 10, 1985, is relevant to Swan's claim since the students were allegedly exposed to the same chemicals at the same time Swan was allegedly exposed to them. Swan counters that the defendants were given sufficient evidence in the depositions of the students which were taken concerning the symptoms experienced by the students. She also argues that the students had not taken any action to waive the medical privilege. The scope of discovery is set out in MRCP 26(b)(1) which provides: Parties may obtain discovery regarding any matter, not privileged, which is relevant to the issue raised by the claims or defenses of any party. The physical condition of the students after October 10, 1985, is relevant to Swan's claim for discovery purposes. Swan contends that she suffered many adverse effects long after October 10, 1985. Since the students were allegedly exposed to the same chemicals for approximately the same length of time as Swan, knowledge of any long lasting physical effects the chemicals had on the students would be reasonably calculated to lead to the discovery of admissible evidence. Rule 26(b)(1). We hold that Swan has no standing to object on the ground of medical privilege to any discovery about whatever possible effects this spraying had on these children as well. This does not foreclose the right of any of these minor witnesses, their parents or guardians, presenting to the court and securing ruling thereon of any valid objections or medical privileges which these children as individual witnesses may have.