Court Opinion

ID: 9605920
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-22 02:43:22.774854+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T13:38:00.142381
License: Public Domain

Stolz, Judge,
dissenting.
1. I concur in Divisions 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 of the majority opinion.
2. I must respectfully dissent from Division 3 of the majority opinion. Its basic fault lies in the statement that "Continental Insurance Company [Continental] was not a party to this action, and it does not appear that *832Fitzgerald had any relationship with it. His employment was not by it.” (Emphasis supplied.) The record simply does not show this to be the case. It was shown by the testimony of the witness Fitzgerald or by the statements of counsel in colloquy with the court that Fitzgerald was employed by Underwriters Adjusting Co. (Underwriters) (T, 47); that Underwriters was connected with Continental (T, 47); that Underwriters handled Continental’s claims (T, 47); that Fitzgerald was employed by and working for Underwriters at the time he investigated the collision in question (T, 49); that Continental owns the loan receipt which was used in payment of the loss (T, 49); that Fitzgerald investigated the accident on behalf of a party interested in some of the cargo being carried (T, 49); that Underwriters is a subsidiary of Continental (T, 51); that Underwriters is Continental’s adjusting company (T, 52); that there is a relationship between Underwriters and Continental (T, 52); and that the loan receipt was received from the Marine Office, an affiliate of Continental (T, 54). From the foregoing, I believe it is obvious that there was a substantial relationship between the witness’ employer (Underwriters) and Continental. The citations of authority contained in the majority opinion, constitute ample authority for allowing counsel to develop on cross examination matters which could show to the jury "anything which may, in the slightest degree, affect the credit of an opposing witness.” McGriff v. McGriff 154 Ga. 560 (5) (115 SE 21).
I would reverse the trial judge for unduly restricting counsel’s right of cross examination and, therefore, dissent.
I am authorized to state that Presiding Judge Pannell and Judge Evans concur in this dissent.