Opinion ID: 1449306
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Did The Superior Court Err In Refusing To Grant Grothe's Motions For Relief From Judgment?

Text: Grothe filed a Rule 60(b) motion for relief from judgment on the grounds of newly discovered evidence. Specifically, Grothe sought to reopen the trial in order to present the testimony of Dr. George Stewart on the issue of Olafson's alleged disability. The superior court summarily denied the motion. Montgomery Ward v. Thomas, 394 P.2d 774 (Alaska 1964), sets out the standard for granting a new trial on the basis of newly discovered evidence: These requirements are that the evidence (1) must be such as would probably change the result on a new trial; (2) must have been discovered since the trial; (3) must be of such a nature that it could not have been discovered before trial by due diligence; (4) must be material; (5) must not be merely cumulative or impeaching. Id. at 776. Although Grothe filed a Rule 60(b) motion for relief from judgment rather than a Rule 59 motion for a new trial, we have indicated that when the underlying ground is new evidence the analysis is similar. Patrick v. Sedwick, 413 P.2d 169, 178 (Alaska 1966). [22] The new evidence in this case consists of the testimony of Dr. Stewart, who prepared one of the reports admitted in evidence at trial. Dr. Stewart indicated in his affidavit that if permitted he would testify that in his opinion: 1) Olafson's ribs were substantially healed by the time of trial, June 1980, and perhaps as early as April 1979; 2) that Olafson had not exhibited any signs of pain or rib fractures during his preliminary testing in May 1980; and 3) that there was no indication of any lung damage or defect. This testimony would be based on his review of the X-rays and prior lab reports. Olafson asserts that this testimony does not contradict the testimony of Dr. Halter and would therefore not alter the result. If believed, Dr. Stewart's testimony would indicate that Olafson was fully recovered, with little or no pain and normal mobility. Olafson asserts that Dr. Stewart's testimony does not qualify as new evidence, since his identity was known to Grothe's counsel well before the trial and all parties were aware that his report was to be admitted at trial. Grothe argues that he only became aware of the need for Dr. Stewart's testimony after Dr. Halter presented his opinion that Olafson's ribs had never healed and were the main source of Olafson's continuing disability. Grothe claims he was surprised by Dr. Halter's testimony and by the admission of the X-rays which were taken the day before trial. Olafson responds that Grothe's claims of surprise are unjustified and that he has failed to satisfy the due diligence requirement for the following reasons: 1) Grothe's counsel gave no indication of surprise at trial and made no motion for a continuance to attempt to ascertain if Dr. Stewart could testify; 2) prior to trial, Grothe's counsel was provided with a copy of Dr. Halter's report which contained the same conclusions Dr. Halter presented in his testimony; 3) Grothe's counsel had ample opportunity to depose Dr. Halter or Dr. Stewart but neglected to do so; and 4) Grothe's counsel made no attempt to submit this new evidence in the six-week period in which the court had the matter under advisement. On the basis of the foregoing, we would conclude that Grothe failed to demonstrate that the evidence could not have been obtained upon diligent investigation. Finally, Olafson argues that Dr. Stewart's testimony was cumulative to the testimony of Dr. Eufemio and Dr. Johnson. Both physicians testified that Olafson's rib injuries from the accident were healed and would not restrict his present or future working ability. Grothe admits that Dr. Stewart's testimony would be similar to the other physicians, but claims that it would not be cumulative because of Dr. Stewart's expertise in this area. The standard for review of an order denying a Rule 60(b) motion is whether the superior court abused its discretion. Reversal is justified only if this court concludes the trial court was clearly mistaken. McCracken v. Davis, 560 P.2d 771 (Alaska 1977). We hold that the superior court's denial was well within its discretion. AFFIRMED.