Opinion ID: 1958884
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Denial of severance and order for consolidation.

Text: Defendant contends not only that Thomas Maietta's personal injury complaint should not have been consolidated for trial with MC's complaint for property damage, but also that the claims made in MC's complaint based on the three distinct accidents should have been severed from each other as well. Defendant asserts that the Court's ruling on these matters constitute reversible error because the rulings resulted in confusion and in extreme prejudice to the defendant, ultimately denying the defendant its constitutional right to a fair trial. Rule 42(b), M.R.Civ.P., provides that for the sake of convenience and to avoid prejudice, a court may order separate trials of separate issues or claims. In Thornton v. Cressey, 413 A.2d 540, 544 n. 3 (Me. 1980), this Court recognized the exceptional nature of a separate trial order. See 1 Field, McKusick & Wroth, Maine Civil Practice § 42.5 at 587-588 (2d ed. 1970) (Separation ... is not reversible except for clear abuse of discretion). In Thornton, this Court listed five factors that militated against an order of separation: 1) substantial identity of the parties, and the witnesses, 2) overlapping evidence, 3) relatively simple issues, 4) relative times required for litigating different issues, and 5) the absence of discernable prejudice to the parties. See id at 545. Each of the property damage claims alleged a failure of brakes, and the principal witnesses on liability and damages were the same for each of the accidents. There was evidence that the design of the trucks was substantially identical in all relevant aspects, even if their condition and repair histories were different. With regard to the consolidation of the personal injury claim with the property damage claims, M.R.Civ.P. 42(a) provides, in part: When actions involving a common question of law or fact are pending before the court ... it may order a joint hearing or trial. Defendant concedes that the power to order consolidation is within the Court's discretion. See 1 Field, McKusick & Wroth, Maine Civil Practice § 42.3 at 586 (order of consolidation will be set aside only for abuse of discretion). Common parties are not required for consolidation; there needs to be only a common question of law or fact. See id. The common questions in this case concern the defectiveness of the right front wheel of the 5070 and how any such defectiveness may have contributed to the August 25 accident. The plaintiff and the damages claimed are different, however the liability issues are the same. Defendant contends that the jury was likely influenced by Thomas Maietta's personal injuries in finding liability. The injuries claimed by Thomas Maietta were neither dramatic nor likely to inflame the jury. [2] We conclude that the Superior Court did not abuse its discretion in refusing to sever the three claims for property damage, nor did it commit any such abuse in consolidating Thomas Maietta's personal injury action.