Opinion ID: 1991184
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Additional Evidentiary Issues

Text: Having concluded the Gordons are entitled to a new trial, we turn our attention to the numerous evidentiary issues raised by the Gordons on appeal. We will address them to the extent we believe they will arise on retrial. The first issue raised by the Gordons concerns the testimony of Dr. Thurman. Dr. Thurman, an expert witness retained on behalf of Dr. Ellis, found fault with Dr. Kemper's care of Lori. It was Dr. Thurman's opinion that Dr. Kemper erred in not ruling out all possible physical causes for Lori's symptoms, and in not developing a plan for further steps following the ultrasound of her gallbladder and the CAT scan of her abdomen. In particular, Dr. Thurman believed Dr. Kemper should have ordered an upper GI workup. This testimony was admitted over Dr. Kemper's objection. The circuit court concluded the testimony was admissible under CR 32.01, which states in part that [i]f only part of a deposition is offered in evidence by a party, an adverse party may require him to introduce any other part[.] As Dr. Ellis has settled and will not be a party in the event of retrial, the Gordons argue Dr. Thurman's testimony is admissible under Miller v. Marymount Med. Ctr., 125 S.W.3d at 274. In that case, this Court held that where a plaintiff retains an expert who would have testified against a defendant who subsequently settles, the testimony may be introduced by the remaining defendant. Id. at 284. The Gordons' argument ignores the basis for Dr. Kemper's challenge to this testimony. Early in the action, Dr. Kemper's attorney consulted with Dr. Thurman concerning the claims against Dr. Kemper. Dr. Thurman allegedly reviewed the records, gave a report, and was subsequently not used by Dr. Kemper as an expert. Citing Newsome v. Lowe, 699 S.W.2d 748, 752 (Ky.App.1985), Dr. Kemper argues his consultation involved attorney work product and created a claim of privilege. In considering this argument, we note our recent decision in Sowders v. Lewis, 241 S.W.3d 319 (Ky.2007), would seem to support Dr. Kemper's position. However, there remains a question as to whether the privilege was waived, and if so, to what extent once Dr. Kemper allowed Dr. Thurman to serve as an expert on behalf of Dr. Ellis. This we leave for the trial court to address. The Gordons have also argued Dr. Kemper should not be allowed to seek apportionment among the settling healthcare providers. In support of their argument, the Gordons point out that Dr. Kemper presented no direct evidence to show any of the other providers were at fault. We disagree. Under Kentucky Revised Statute (KRS) 411.320, the circuit court is required to instruct the jury regarding apportionment of fault among all parties to the action, as well as persons who have settled and are not parties. See also Owens Corning Fiberglas Corp. v. Parrish, 58 S.W.3d 467, 481 (Ky.2001). In seeking such an instruction, Dr. Kemper may rely on any evidence introduced into the record. This includes evidence introduced by the Gordons or developed through cross-examination. Further, we reject the Gordons' claim that the jury verdict alters the results for Drs. Ellis and Mudd. Regardless of the verdict, both are settling parties. Next, the Gordons argued they should have been able to introduce Lori's diary, a To Do List she left for her husband, and statements she made to a friend about her illness and care. The circuit court excluded this evidence as inadmissible hearsay. As we consider this argument, we are mindful that the admissibility of evidence lies within the sound discretion of the trial judge. See Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. v. Thompson, 11 S.W.3d 575, 577-78 (Ky. 2000). Further, the burden lies with the Gordons, as proponents of the evidence, to demonstrate its admissibility. If they are able to do so, the trial judge must then determine if undue prejudice exists and outweighs the probative value under KRE 403. This we leave for the trial court to consider in the event of retrial. We turn next to the admissibility of literature on the loss of a parent. We begin by noting that the Gordons are not asking if their expert can rely and cite to the literature. Rather, they are claiming they should be allowed to introduce the material for the jury to read and consider on its own. Once again, we note that the burden of establishing the necessary foundation and proving the admissibility rests on the Gordons, the proponents of the evidence. The Gordons have failed to cite to any authority, nor have we found any, which would allow them to introduce such material for the jury to read and consider on its own. The Gordons also argue the jury should not be instructed to disregard their feelings of sympathy. In considering this argument, we note that the record reflects that the circuit court did not instruct the jury on this. Rather, Dr. Kemper's attorney, in closing argument, asked the jury to set their sympathies aside. As we have previously held no effort should be made to enlist the sympathy of the jury, we can find no error in counsel's argument. See Southern-Harlan Coal Co. v. Gallaier, 240 Ky. 106, 41 S.W.2d 661, 663 (1931). Further, as we are mindful that matters pertaining to closing argument lie within the sound discretion of the trial judge, we leave this issue in the trial court's hands to exercise that discretion. See Hawkins v. Rosenbloom, 17 S.W.3d 116, 120 (Ky.App. 1999). Finally, we note the Gordons have asked this Court to find that portion of Dr. Shields' testimony regarding the necessity of a upper GI workup be held inadmissible. This we will not do. During his deposition, the Gordons' attorney asked Dr. Shields a hypothetical question concerning whether, under the circumstances present when Dr. Kemper saw Lori on April 15th, an upper GI workup should have been ordered. Dr. Shields replied that an upper GI should not have been ordered under those conditions. As set out above, we will leave it in the trial judge's hands to determine if the burden of establishing foundation and admissibility is met in the event of retrial.