Court Opinion

ID: 9528806
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-07 03:44:10.237574+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T13:27:21.160425
License: Public Domain

YOUNG, Presiding Judge,
dissenting.
I dissent and would affirm the judgment. Our power and scope of review is limited. The court on appeal shall not reverse a trial court judgment if the merits of the cause have been fairly tried and determined. Indiana Rules of Procedure, Appellate Rule 15. The limitation is further supported by Trial Rule 61 which permits reversal only if refusal to take such action appears to the court inconsistent with substantial justice. Because I feel the merits were fairly tried and the result reached was not inconsistent with justice, I would affirm.
The majority correctly states that a dismissal with prejudice is a dismissal on the merits. McCubbens v. O’Banion, (1977) Ind.App., 361 N.E.2d 191. The majority also recognizes that such a dismissal can be set aside through the use of Trial Rules 41(F) and 60(B). However, the trial court refused to grant relief under this procedure and used Trial Rule 15(B) to effectively do the *139same thing — reinstate the issues previously dismissed. Under these limited facts the parties immediately had notice that the issues were reinstated and the dismissal was set aside. The defendant was given the opportunity to meet the issues which were then being considered. While the trial court’s use of TR. 15(B) to reinstate the dismissed legal theories was not the proper procedure, the trial court did only what it had the power to do under TR. 60(B).
Under this rule, the trial court is given equitable discretion to grant relief under circumstances where it is satisfied that the administration of justice will be served by the action. Soft Water Utilities, Inc. v. LeFevre, (1973) 261 Ind. 260, 301 N.E.2d 745, aff’d (1974) 159 Ind.App. 529, 308 N.E.2d 395. From the record, the judge’s statements clearly indicate that he was exercising this precise authority and discretion although perhaps done under the guise of a different rule. Where the trial court has reached a proper result but for the wrong reason, the reviewing court can affirm on the basis of the proper theory. Board of Zoning Appeals of City of Fort Wayne v. Shell Oil Co., (1975) 164 Ind.App. 497, 329 N.E.2d 636.
Although procedural rules are extremely important, it must be kept in mind that they are merely a means for achieving the ultimate end of orderly and speedy justice. American States Insurance Co. v. State ex rel. Jennings, (1972) 258 Ind. 637, 283 N.E.2d 529. Civil litigation has evolved into a process of substance rather than form. Puckett v. Miller, (1978) Ind.App., 381 N.E.2d 1087. While the procedural form was improper, the result was the same as it would be if the proper procedure had been used. The theories were reinstated with notice of this change given to the parties. An opportunity to have a continuance and to recall witnesses was provided so the defendant could adequately prepare to meet these issues. The majority’s finding of prejudice is unwarranted. While I recognize important distinctions in the theories of strict liability, negligence, and breach of implied warranties, I believe a continuance and recall of witnesses would cure any prejudice.
Defendant’s allegation of prejudice because they conducted voir dire only on the issue of strict liability, is without merit as is the allegation of prejudice concerning the limitation of the preliminary instructions. A finding of prejudice on these grounds without a more specific showing would require a new trial when a party is properly allowed to amend pleadings under TR. 15(B). Ayr-Way Store, Inc. v. Chitwood, (1973) 261 Ind. 86, 300 N.E.2d 335. Thus, to agree with this contention would destroy the efficacy of TR. 15(B). Without more specific allegations, the defendant does not carry its burden of pointing out to the trial court the way it has been prejudiced. Nor did the allegations directed to cross examination meet the burden. As noted before, the court gave defendant the opportunity to recall witnesses. In addition, depositions were available for several of the liability witnesses which, when taken, had included all theories now reinstated.
For the foregoing reasons, I would affirm the trial court decision.