Opinion ID: 523622
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: district court refusal to find comparative negligence is supported by record.

Text: 33 While the determination of whether established facts constitute negligence involves a mixed question of law and fact, the mixed question of negligence is an exception to the general rule that mixed questions are reviewed de novo. United States v. McConney, 728 F.2d 1195, 1204 (9th Cir.) cert. denied, 469 U.S. 824, 105 S.Ct. 101, 83 L.Ed.2d 46 (1984). We review the district court's findings under the clearly erroneous standard. Louie v. United States 776 F.2d 819 (1985). Further, the clearly erroneous standard of review, extends, under comparative negligence principles to an admiralty court's apportionment of fault. Vance v. American Cruises, Inc. 789 F.2d 790, 793 (9th Cir.1986), (quoting Alkmeon Naviera S.A. v. M/V Marina L., 633 F.2d 789, 796 (9th Cir.1980)). Therefore we must affirm unless, after a review of all the evidence, we are left with the definite conviction that a mistake has been committed. Id. 34 Appellant argues that there are several reasons why the district court should have found comparative negligence by appellee. We have reviewed these reasons and find that the district court's denial of comparative negligence is not clearly erroneous. 35 Appellant argues that Mr. Barnett's failure to wear shin guards at the time of the accident constituted comparative negligence because his doctor had suggested them. However, as appellees argue, there was an intervening treatment period in 1983 when no recommendation to wear shin guards was made. Moreover, at his deposition, the doctor clarified that the 1982 recommendation was only a suggestion. There is nothing in the record to indicate that the injured appellee was not following a mandatory prescription. It was not clearly erroneous for the district court to fail to find comparative negligence based on Mr. Barnett's failure to wear shin guards. 36 Appellant argues that Mr. Barnett's choice to climb over the hatch cover instead of going under it constituted comparative negligence. The record shows that Mr. Barnett is 6'5 1/2 tall and had concerns about hurting his knees if he tried to crawl beneath the hatch cover. Further, he was confident, based on past experience that he could safely climb over the cover. Therefore, the trial court did not err in failing to find comparative negligence based on Mr. Barnett's decision to climb over the hatch cover. 37 Appellant contends that Mr. Barnett's statement at trial that it was a mistake to climb over the hatch covers shows that there was comparative negligence. We find that it was not clearly erroneous to fail to find comparative negligence based on this statement. As appellee argues, this statement may have been based on the fact that the action resulted in an accident rather than a reflection of negligence on the part of Mr. Barnett. 38 Appellant argues that it was raining at the time of the accident and that it was negligent for appellee to attempt to climb over the hatch while it was raining. However, the appellee claims that it was not raining. Appellees argue that the appellant's evidence that it was raining is insufficient. Appellant supplied a stevedore log which states that during the shift when the accident took place there was rain. We believe that the district court may have found that this evidence was insufficient to prove that it was actually raining when the accident took place or that it does not show that the deck was wet. Therefore, we do not find clear error. 39 Finally appellant argues that Mr. Barnett was not following his doctor's instructions to avoid excessive standing and walking on the job after the accident. The flaw in this argument is that it is unsupported and in fact contrary to the medical evidence presented. Appellant provided no medical evidence that Mr. Barnett's activity aggravated his injury. Moreover, during the time period in question Mr. Barnett's treating plastic surgeon noted that Mr. Barnett was taking good care of his legs. Therefore, we find no clear error in the trial court's failure to ascribe no comparative negligence to Mr. Barnett's conduct. 40 In sum, we find that none of the grounds raised by appellant nor anything else contained in the record rise to the level necessary for this court to determine that the trial court's decision not to assign any comparative negligence to the appellee was clearly erroneous. 41