Opinion ID: 2403835
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 11

Heading: New Trial Denied

Text: On June 3, 1994, having heard oral argument on May 19, 1994, the original trial judge issued a decision denying the McCools' motion for a new trial on the malpractice claim. First, the original trial judge found there was sufficient evidence to support the jury's verdict in Dr. Gehret's favor. Second, the judge found the plaintiffs had waived their right to allege juror misconduct when their attorney failed to request the court to take action at the time and that, regardless, there was insufficient evidence to suggest improper conduct by the juror. Finally, the judge held the decision to sever the claims was justified because the causes of action were unrelated, dealt with different periods of time, and involved distinctly different evidence. The judge again concluded that trying the medical malpractice and the tortious interference claims together would have unfairly prejudiced Dr. Gehret and confused the jury.