Opinion ID: 1060973
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: application of standard

Text: The trial court correctly foresaw the trend away from Frye and also used the factors set forth in Daubert as a framework for analysis. As it observed, the scientific theory that exposure to solvents may cause toxic encephalopathy has been tested frequently over a period of 25 years. Because no precise diagnostic device or biological mechanism can isolate the causal factor, the relevant tests have been epidemiological studies. The experts in this case testified at length about the field of epidemiology and the use of cohort and case-control studies. The experts agreed that epidemiological studies have been used to test the hypothesis that exposure to solvents causes encephalopathy and that numerous studies support a causal relationship. These studies have been reviewed, reconstructed, published in leading journals in the field, and subjected to peer review. Although the positive studies have been criticized for failing to account for confounding factors, the diagnosis is recognized in medical textbooks and journals as well as by several national and world health organizations. We also observe that the research in this area, including that of several of the plaintiffs' experts, was conducted independently of this litigation. Accordingly, we agree with the trial court's finding that the evidence will substantially assist the jury to understand the evidence and to determine a fact in issue. We also agree with the trial court's conclusion that the methodology and principles underlying the scientific evidence are sufficiently trustworthy and reliable to be presented to the trier of fact. The trial court is not required to determine whether it agrees with the evidence and should not substitute its view for the trier of fact. It should allow the jury to consider legitimate but conflicting views about the scientific proof. Provided the evidence is scientifically valid, criticisms of it and opposing views may be elicited on cross examination and/or established in the defendant's case. That is the essence of the lawsuit.