Opinion ID: 610623
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Dr. Abel

Text: 48 During trial, Dr. Abel, Mr. Stutzman's family physician, testified that in his opinion Mr. Stutzman was incapable of performing any type of work available to an Amishman in Mr. Stutzman's community, Wakarusa, and the surrounding areas. The defendants argue that this testimony should not have been admitted for two reasons: (1) an opinion regarding jobs available in a particular market must be rendered by an expert and Dr. Abel was not qualified to render such an opinion, and (2) Dr. Abel was listed as an expert on Mr. Stutzman's medical condition only, not his ability to obtain a job, and thus the plaintiffs failed to comply with relevant discovery rules. 49 We need not address the merits of the defendants' claims because, even assuming that the trial court erred by admitting Dr. Abel's testimony on this issue, any error was harmless. Dr. Larry Grabb, a vocational expert, testified that Mr. Stutzman was totally disabled in that he was incapable of continuing his pre-accident jobs and there was no job in Mr. Stutzman's geographic area that he could perform. [A]dmission of cumulative evidence is not grounds for reversal absent a showing of prejudice. United States v. Braxton, 877 F.2d 556, 561 n. 2 (7th Cir.1989). See also United States v. Davis, 838 F.2d 909, 920-21 (7th Cir.1988). Dr. Abel's testimony was cumulative and the defendants have failed to show they were prejudiced by its admission.