Buckler v. Mathis
353 S.W.3d 625
| Ky. Ct. App. | 2011Background
- Buckler was injured in a 2005 motor vehicle collision; he pursued damages for medical care and pain and suffering.
- Plaintiff filed suit against Mathis in 2007; trial dates were reset multiple times with pretrial compliance issues.
- The trial court allowed a threshold instruction under KRS 304.39-060(2) requiring medical expenses to exceed $1,000 to recover.
- Buckler sought to introduce Dr. Jacob’s testimony on permanency of injuries, but the court limited future medical expenses evidence.
- Trial in October 2009 ended with a verdict for Mathis; Buckler sought J.N.O.V. or new trial arguing errors in instructions and deposition testimony.
- Appellate review affirmed, upholding jury instructions and excluding portions of the deposition testimony.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether threshold instruction complied with law | Buckler | Mathis | Threshold instruction proper |
| Whether language requiring plaintiff to incur charges was correct | Buckler | Mathis | Instruction aligned with Bolin/Thompson; proper |
| Whether the court's comments on instructions improperly influenced the jury | Buckler | Mathis | No improper comment; no reversible error |
| Whether Dr. Jacob's deposition testimony on permanency was properly struck | Buckler | Mathis | No abuse of discretion; testimony properly struck |
Key Cases Cited
- Bolin v. Grider, 580 S.W.2d 490 (Ky. 1979) (medical expense must be reasonable and reasonably needed)
- Thompson v. Piasta, 662 S.W.2d 223 (Ky.App. 1983) (claims must show reasonably needed expenses)
- Young v. J.B. Hunt Transp., Inc., 781 S.W.2d 503 (Ky. 1989) (bare bones instructions; closing argument guidance)
- Rogers v. Kasdan, 612 S.W.2d 133 (Ky. 1981) (explanation of concise jury instructions)
- Collins v. Galbraith, 494 S.W.2d 527 (Ky. 1973) (limits on instruction elaboration)
- Wemyss v. Coleman, 729 S.W.2d 174 (Ky. 1987) (instructional approach to jury guidance)
- Cox v. Cooper, 510 S.W.2d 530 (Ky. 1974) (skeleton jury instruction framework)
- Hamilton v. CSX Transp., Inc., 208 S.W.3d 272 (Ky.App. 2006) (de novo review of jury instruction errors)
- Reece v. Dixie Warehouse and Cartage Co., 188 S.W.3d 440 (Ky.App. 2006) (standard of review for jury instructions)
- Ballback's Adm’r v. Boland-Maloney Lumber Co., 208 S.W.2d 940 (Ky. 1948) (instruction framework and guidance to jury)