Opinion ID: 312922
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Procedural irregularities occurring during the course of the trial.

Text: 35 At the outset of the trial, the trial judge indicated that he was not going to permit the introduction of evidence that Sade had received workmen's compensation benefits or evidence that at the time of the accident Northern carried liability insurance which covered its employees. Thereafter, in cross-examining Sade, counsel asked why he would consider suing one of Northern's employees, instead of Northern itself, and Sade's answer was to the effect that he assumed the employees were covered by Northern's insurance. No objection was made to the answer as not being responsive. And in our view the answer would certainly seem to have been invited by the question. 36 In any event, because of several other instances of the type just related, i.e., the mention of compensation benefits and insurance, the trial judge determined to advise the jury that Sade had in fact received compensation benefits and, additionally, that Northern did carry liability insurance on its employees. Whether the trial judge acted wisely in thus advising the jury, or whether he should have let the matter lie where it was, is debatable. In any event, though Northern did object, at least mildly, the matter at the time did not appear to be a major problem. No request for any mistrial, for example, was made. It was only after the verdict had been returned that the matter took on increased significance. Under all the circumstances, we deem any error in this regard to be harmless under Fed.R.Civ.P. 61. When viewed in context, it is not such a matter as would require a new trial. 37 Additionally, it is argued that counsel for Sade was allowed to improperly cross-examine, to repeatedly argue with Northern's witnesses, and the like. We have examined those matters and find nothing which would warrant a reversal of the case. 38 The judgment as entered by the trial court is reduced to the sum of $182,500, plus interest and costs, and, as thus modified, the judgment is affirmed.