Lytle v. Mathew
2014 Ohio 1606
Ohio Ct. App.2014Background
- Tracy Lytle died in February 2010 while under investigations for Workers’ Compensation fraud involving attorney Natalie Grubb.
- Carol Lytle, as administratrix of Tracy Lytle’s estate, filed a wrongful death action in February 2012 against Shila Mathew, M.D., medical and related defendants in Summit County.',
- ,
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether the crime-fraud exception properly defeats attorney-client privilege | Lytle argues privilege must stand absent credible evidentiary basis | Defendants contend crime-fraud exception applies given fraud investigations | Crime-fraud exception not properly established; remanded for response to new exhibits |
| Whether the court erred by considering supplemental exhibits without allowing response | Lytle asserts lack of notice and opportunity to object | Defendants relied on supplemental exhibits to support the ruling | Trial court erred in final ruling before allowing response to exhibits |
| Whether the appeal is properly before the court given discovery interlocutory nature | Appellate review should address privilege issue only if final | Interlocutory discovery orders may be reviewed in limited circumstances | Appeal dismissed in part; remanded for further proceedings on the exhibits |
Key Cases Cited
- Callahan v. Akron Gen. Med. Ctr., 2005-Ohio-5103 (9th Dist. Summit No. 22387, 2005-Ohio-5103) (final discovery orders related to privileged material may be appealable)
- State ex rel. Nix v. Cleveland, 83 Ohio St.3d 379 (1998) (crime-fraud exception when communications relate to crime or fraud)
- Givaudan Flavors Corp. v. Squire, 127 Ohio St.3d 161 (2010-Ohio-4469) (crime-fraud exception requires factual basis to show crime or fraud)
- In re Brothers Publishing Co., L.L.C., 2014-Ohio-133 (2d Dist. Darke No. 2013-CA-6) (evidentiary consideration and reply briefing issues)
- Hope Academy Broadway Campus v. White Hat Mgt., LLC., 2013-Ohio-911 (10th Dist. Franklin No. 12AP-116) (discovery orders and finality considerations)