Court Opinion

ID: 9495579
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-05 16:06:19.893425+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T17:57:06.081972
License: Public Domain

RIPPLE, Circuit Judge,
concurring.
This case requires that we resolve two issues, and the panel opinion addresses both of them succinctly and correctly. I join in the panel’s determination that the correct application of nonmutual collateral estoppel precludes Zeigler Coal Company from arguing that Mr. Villain did not have pneumoconiosis. The panel opinion also correctly concludes that substantial evidence supports the ALJ’s finding that pneumoconiosis hastened Mr. Villain’s death.
In my view, we need to say, and ought to say, no more. The panel’s discourse on hypothetical ways in which Zeigler could have prevailed, either by raising certain arguments or bringing forth other medical evidence or epidemiological studies, is neither necessary nor helpful. Accordingly, I respectfully refrain from joining those portions of the opinion that render that advice. Cf. Tidewater Oil Co. v. United States, 409 U.S. 151, 174, 93 S.Ct. 408, 34 L.Ed.2d 375 (White, J., concurring in the opinion of the Court, “except for the advisory to Congress reflecting one view of the relative merits of the Expediting Act”).