Opinion ID: 1699241
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: The Application of Bielski v. Schulze.

Text: We are urged by the appellants to grant a new trial under Bielski v. Schulze (1962), 16 Wis. (2d) 1, 114 N. W. (2d) 105. Obviously, if Bielski were to be applied a new trial would be required, since the jury made no comparison of negligence; the jury found Mr. Cloeter 100 percent negligent. That finding would be wholly immaterial if the old rules of contribution between joint tort-feasors are applied. Since both Mr. Junkans and Mr. Cloeter were causally negligent, and the plaintiff was free of negligence, no comparison was needed to enter a proper judgment under the pre- Bielski rules of contribution; each tort-feasor would be liable for the whole judgment and would be entitled to contribution if he in fact paid over one-half thereof. Under the new Bielski rules, each tort-feasor would still be liable for the entire judgment, but the amount of contribution would depend on the percentage of negligence attributed to each. In setting forth the rules as to when the new contribution doctrine would apply, this court said (p. 19): The new rules shall apply generally whether the cause of action has heretofore arisen or not except that they shall not apply in the following situations: (1) Where a judgment based upon the old rules has been entered and no motion to vacate it has been made or appeal taken before this date; (2) where verdicts have been rendered sufficient to dispose of the case under the former rules but where application of the new rules would require a new trial not required for other reasons; (3) when settlements have been effected with one co-tort-feasor in such manner as would  sufficiently protect him from liability for contribution under the former rules. In other words, if a case fits any one of the three exceptions in the Bielski Case, the Bielski rules do not apply. In our opinion, the case at bar fits the second exception: The verdict of the jury is sufficient to dispose of the case under the former rules; if we were to apply the new rules, it would necessitate a new trial which is not required for any other reason. Accordingly, it is our conclusion that the Bielski rules are not applicable. By the Court. Judgment is modified to provide that the action against Vida Junkans and Otto F. Cloeter be dismissed without costs; that judgment in favor of the plaintiff and against Henry Junkans be entered for $6,137.58, without right of contribution. The costs in this court upon the appeal are awarded in favor of the defendant, Henry Junkans, against the plaintiff, Clifton Lee. As so modified the judgment is affirmed.