Opinion ID: 657359
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Cozzi's assumption of a duty to train and supervise Reboy

Text: 17 The remaining issues on appeal can be disposed of more quickly. At the close of evidence and again after the return of the jury verdict in favor of the Reboys, Cozzi moved for judgment as a matter of law on the issue of its assumed duty to train and supervise Reboy. Cozzi contends that the Reboys failed to present sufficient evidence to raise a jury question as to whether Cozzi assumed a duty to train and supervise Reboy at the NID facility. The district court disagreed, finding that the Reboys presented sufficient evidence for the jury to determine whether Cozzi assumed such a duty and whether Cozzi negligently breached that duty. Whether a party assumes a duty and the extent of that duty are questions of fact for the trier of fact to determine. Phillips v. United Eng'rs. & Constructors, Inc., 500 N.E.2d 1265, 1269 (Ind.Ct.App.1986). 18 On appeal, this Court reviews the district court's decision to deny Cozzi's motions for judgment as a matter of law de novo, applying Indiana law. Hayes v. Otis Elevator Co., 946 F.2d 1272, 1275 (7th Cir.1991). See also, Krist v. Eli Lilly & Co., 897 F.2d 293, 296 (7th Cir.1990) (state law supplies the test for directed verdict or judgment notwithstanding the verdict in a diversity case). Indiana law directs a reviewing court to examine the evidence and reasonable inferences in a light most favorable to the nonmoving party, here the Reboys. The court must also determine whether there is reasonable, quantitative evidence to support the allegations and whether such evidence supports a reasonable inference that the allegations are true. Christensen v. Sears, Roebuck & Co., 565 N.E.2d 1103, 1107 (Ind.Ct.App.1991). 19 Applying these standards, we agree with the district court that the Reboys submitted sufficient evidence to allow the jury to decide whether Cozzi voluntarily assumed a duty to train and supervise James Reboy. Several high-level Cozzi employees testified at trial that part of their responsibilities was to oversee the safety of the NID facility and the training of employees at that work site. This evidence provided sufficient reason for denying Cozzi's motion for judgment as a matter of law on this matter and so we affirm.