Court Opinion

ID: 9711858
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-26 04:40:36.097337+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:23:07.965352
License: Public Domain

OLSZEWSKI, Judge,
concurring:
We concur completely in the result and reasoning of our learned colleague, Judge Wieand. Nevertheless, for the guidance of the bench and bar, we find it necessary to explain the difference between a separate cause of action and an alternate theory of recovery; accordingly, we write this concurring opinion.
In most cases, a separate cause of action can be distinguished from an alternate theory of recovery by looking at the relief requested. Alternate theories of recovery are different means for obtaining the samé relief for the same harm caused by the same party. A plaintiff cannot recover on all of the alternate theories, as this would constitute a *463duplicative recovery. On the contrary, a separate cause of action requests different relief for different harms. A party may potentially recover complete relief on each of the separate causes of action. In a few cases, this distinction may not be entirely clear; however, we believe this “relief test” will solve most of the problems raised by Praisner cases.
Applying the relief test to this case, we find one cause of action pursued through alternate theories of recovery. Garofolo alleges only one harm in this case: osteitis caused by an injection of local anesthetic. She sought one relief for that harm: $20,000 in monetary damages. She sought this relief under two alternate theories: negligence and lack of informed consent. The negligence theory was disposed of upon a motion for summary judgment, while the informed consent theory remains viable. Garofolo has not yet been put out of court, because she may still recover for the harm suffered on the informed consent theory. For this reason, there is no final order and this appeal must be quashed.
KELLY, J., joins.