Opinion ID: 2027675
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Motion for Leave to Amend.

Text: After Hoechst made its motion for a directed verdict, Tomka sought leave to amend his petition to add theories of intentional tort and gross negligence based on Hoechst's alleged indirect promotion of dual implants in violation of a federal regulation. The trial court denied Tomka's motion. We will reverse the trial court's refusal to allow an amendment of the petition only upon a showing of a clear abuse of discretion. Porter v. Good Eavespouting, 505 N.W.2d 178, 180 (Iowa 1993). Leave to amend pleadings should be freely given. Id. However, an amendment to conform to the proof should not be allowed if it will substantially change the claim. W & W Livestock Enters., Inc. v. Dennler, 179 N.W.2d 484, 488 (Iowa 1970). We agree with the trial court that the amendment Tomka sought to make would have substantially changed the plaintiff's claims against the defendant midway through the trial. We also agree that the admission of evidence of indirect promotion of dual implants without objection by Hoechst does not show Hoechst's consent to these new theories of recovery because this evidence was arguably relevant to Tomka's warranty claims. We conclude the trial court did not abuse its discretion in refusing to allow Tomka to amend his petition to conform to the proof. DECISION OF COURT OF APPEALS AND JUDGMENT OF DISTRICT COURT AFFIRMED.