Opinion ID: 1948151
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Liable In Tort Joint Tort-feasor Status Determined Judicially Or By Admission

Text: The Medical Center argues that, consistent with the language in 10 Del.C. § 6301, Dr. Vakili's status as a joint tort-feasor was established solely by virtue of the settlement. According to the Medical Center, that status was conclusive after Dr. Vakili's release by the Mullins, without an admission of liability by Dr. Vakili and without regard to the jury's ultimate determination of his non-liability. In support of this contention, the Medical Center cites Mazer v. Security Insurance Group, 507 F.2d 1338 (3d Cir.1975). Conversely, the Mullins argue that the question of whether Dr. Vakili was a tort-feasor was determined in the negative when the jury completely exonerated Dr. Vakili of all allegations of negligence. The Superior Court properly concluded that the Medical Center's reliance upon Mazer was misplaced. In Mazer, the joint tortfeasor status of the settling party was not determined by the release, but instead was imputed under the doctrine of respondeat superior. Id. at 1339-40. As Mazer noted, the precise manner in which the joint tortfeasor status is determined is not the issue. Id. at 1342. Instead, the issue is whether by some reliable means there was a determination, either judicially or by an admission, that the settling party was liable in tort, i.e., a tort-feasor. Id. Neither determination of Dr. Vakili's liability in tort is extant in the case sub judice.