2004 Ohio 1704 | Ohio Ct. App. | 2004
Lead Opinion
{¶ 2} The following facts are undisputed. On February 27, 1998, the decedent, Barbara A. Donlin, collapsed while teaching at St. Patrick's Elementary School in Hubbard, Ohio. When paramedics employed by appellee responded to the school, they immediately began treating the decedent. Several minutes later, a second ambulance arrived to assist the first. Unfortunately, the paramedics were unable to revive the decedent and she later was pronounced dead at the hospital.
{¶ 3} Appellant, Patrick J. Donlin, executor of the decedent's estate, filed a wrongful death action against appellee on May 13, 1999. According to the complaint, the actions of the paramedics who provided emergency care for the decedent constituted willful and wanton misconduct and ultimately resulted in her death.
{¶ 4} After filing an answer, appellee submitted a motion for summary judgment in which the company argued that the paramedics' actions did not fall below the accepted standard of care, and that it was entitled to immunity under R.C.
{¶ 5} Appellee also submitted an affidavit from Pat Hughes ("Hughes"), a paramedic on the second ambulance. Hughes stated that when he arrived at the school, the crew from the first ambulance was already providing the decedent with emergency assistance. He further claimed that the first ambulance was equipped with a functional defibrillator and that his ambulance was not requested to provide another unit.
{¶ 6} Appellant filed a brief in opposition in which he argued that there was a genuine issue of material fact as to whether the paramedics recklessly disregarded appellee's treatment protocol and the applicable standard of care when assisting the decedent. According to appellant, there was evidence that the first ambulance at the school did not have an operational defibrillator on board, and that, if it did, the paramedics did not use it in a timely manner. He maintained that it was only after the second ambulance arrived that the paramedics attempted to revive the decedent by using a defibrillator. To support his position, appellant attached the deposition of Officer Robert Paterniti ("Officer Paterniti"), who testified that although he was in the room where paramedics treated the decedent, he did not see a paramedic from the first ambulance use a defibrillator. Appellant also included an affidavit from Darla J. Vogelsang ("Vogelsang"), an employee of the school, who claimed that "[a]s [her and the decedent's husband] moved from the area outside the classroom where paramedics were working on [the decedent], [she] heard someone (not sure whether an ambulance person, policeman, or someone from the staff) say there was a need for a second ambulance because they needed more oxygen and defibrillator equipment."1
{¶ 7} The trial court considered the evidence, and in a judgment entry dated September 30, 2002, granted appellee summary judgment. The court found that "there [was] no credible evidence before [it] that the first ambulance did not have a defibrillator on board or at the scene." As a result, the trial court concluded that "there [was] no evidence of any willful and wanton conduct."
{¶ 8} From this decision, appellant filed a timely notice of appeal with this court. He now argues under his sole assignment of error that summary judgment was improper because questions remained concerning whether the first paramedics to arrive at the school acted in a willful and wanton manner by responding without an operational defibrillator.
{¶ 9} Summary judgment is proper when: (1) there is no genuine issue as to any material fact; (2) the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law; and (3) reasonable minds can come but to one conclusion, and that conclusion is adverse to the party against whom the motion for summary judgment is made, that party being entitled to have the evidence construed most strongly in his favor. Civ.R. 56(C); Leibreich v. A.J.Refrigeration, Inc.,
{¶ 10} Material facts are those facts that might affect the outcome of the suit under the governing law of the case. Turnerv. Turner,
{¶ 11} The party seeking summary judgment on the grounds that the nonmoving party cannot prove its case bears the initial burden of informing the trial court of the basis for the motion and of identifying those portions of the record that demonstrate the absence of a genuine issue of material fact on the essential elements of the nonmoving party's claims. Dresher v. Burt,
{¶ 12} If the moving party fails to satisfy this initial burden, summary judgment should be denied. Id. However, if this initial burden is met, the nonmoving party has a reciprocal burden to respond, by affidavit or as otherwise provided in the rule, in an effort to demonstrate that there is a genuine issue of fact suitable for trial. Id.
{¶ 13} R.C.
{¶ 14} Here, appellant argues that appellee was not entitled to immunity because the alleged failure to bring a functional defibrillator to the school constituted willful and wanton misconduct. He further maintains that there is a genuine issue of material fact with respect to this issue because: (1) he provided testimony from a person in the room with the paramedics indicating that he did not see the first paramedics use a defibrillator; (2) the same person testified that it was the paramedics from the second ambulance who removed the clothing from the decedent's chest before using a defibrillator; and (3) another person claimed she heard that the second ambulance was requested because more oxygen and a defibrillator were needed.
{¶ 15} At the outset, we note that "[w]here the evidence in the record does not suggest a material factual issue on the question of reckless or willful or wanton misconduct, [it] is perfectly proper to determine the case by means of summary judgment." Garrison v. Bobbitt (1999),
{¶ 16} Accordingly, resolution of the matter before us turns solely upon whether the evidence presented by appellant establishes willful or wanton misconduct. This court has previously defined willful and wanton misconduct in the following manner:
{¶ 17} "`"Wanton misconduct" comprehends an entire absence of all care for the safety of others and an indifference to consequences. * * * It implies a failure to exercise any care toward those to whom a duty of care is owing when the probability that harm will result from such failure is great, and such probability is known to the actor. * * *
{¶ 18} "` * * * "Wilful misconduct" imports a more positive mental condition prompting an act than does the term "wanton misconduct." "Wilful misconduct" implies an intentional deviation from a clear duty or from a definite rule of conduct, a deliberate purpose not to discharge some duty necessary to safety, or purposely doing wrongful acts with knowledge or appreciation of the likelihood of resulting injury. * * *'" (Citations omitted.) Peoples v. Willoughby (1990),
{¶ 19} We must also distinguish negligent actions from willful or wanton misconduct, as negligence is afforded immunity under R.C.
{¶ 20} After reviewing the evidence in a light most favorable to appellant, we conclude that the trial court correctly granted appellee summary judgment. The evidence appellant relies upon does not create a genuine issue of material fact concerning whether the paramedics actions constituted willful or wanton misconduct.
{¶ 21} Although Officer Paterniti's statements may create a genuine issue of material fact regarding the possible negligence of the paramedics in failing to immediately administer defibrillation, the statements fail to show that appellee acted in a willful or wanton manner. Specifically, his statements fail to confirm that any absence of a defibrillator in the first ambulance, or any failure of a paramedic to use the defibrillator, was willful or wanton. Appellant had the burden to show that any such omission was more than simple negligence. Appellant has simply failed to present any evidence that there was an absence of all care for the safety of others or a disposition to perversity. Furthermore, Officer Paterniti's statements fail to establish that appellee intentionally deviated from a clear duty or from a definite rule of conduct. Thus, his testimony did not include evidence demonstrating that appellee's actions were more than negligence and actually constituted willful or wanton misconduct.
{¶ 22} Vogelsang's affidavit is subject to the same analysis. Moreover, even if her statement somehow rose above the negligence standard, the trial court correctly found that it was based upon inadmissible hearsay. Thus, it could not be considered when determining whether summary judgment was warranted. The Supreme Court of Ohio has held that "[o]nly facts which would be admissible in evidence can be relied upon by the trial court when ruling upon a motion for summary judgment." Tokles Son, Inc.v. Midwestern Indemn. Co. (1992),
{¶ 23} Further, Vogelsang's statement could not be qualified as an excited utterance because she could not identify the declarant. As a result, there was no way of assessing what the declarant observed or his or her state of mind when he or she made the comment. See, e.g., State v. Huertas (1990),
{¶ 24} Similarly, the absence of a rhythm strip correlating to the first attempts does not create a genuine issue of material fact as to the existence of conduct beyond negligence.2 As previously indicated, even if the first team of paramedics failed to use or have a defibrillator, that is not per se evidence of willful or wanton conduct.
{¶ 25} The foundation of appellant's expert-witness testimony was based upon a review of medical records demonstrating a delay between the time the first team of paramedics arrived and the time of the first recorded rhythm strip. Based upon these facts the expert witness concluded that the failure to promptly use a defibrillator constituted "deliberate" willful and wanton conduct and deprived decedent of a reasonable chance of survival. Again, we note that such testimony does not assist appellant in proving that appellee's actions were more than simple negligence.
{¶ 26} Appellant fails to recognize that expert-witness testimony stating that the actions of appellee were "deliberate" willful or wanton conduct does not create any issue of fact, but merely states appellant's position with respect to appellee's culpability, which is a legal conclusion. See, e.g., Hackathornv. Preisse (1995),
{¶ 27} Furthermore, appellant's expert-witness testimony stating that appellee's actions were "deliberate" willful and wanton conduct is purely speculative. First, appellant's expert witness expressly testified that he did not know the legal definition of willful and wanton conduct. In addition, his opinion was based solely upon a review of medical records demonstrating an absence of a timely rhythm strip. The absence of a timely rhythm strip, standing alone, fails to demonstrate willful or wanton conduct. As such, appellant's expert witness did not have the proper legal or factual foundation to support his opinion.
{¶ 28} Based on the foregoing analysis, appellant has failed to present any evidence that would create a genuine issue of material fact regarding whether appellee's actions were willful or wanton misconduct. As such, appellee is entitled to immunity under R.C.
Judgment affirmed.
Rice, J., concurs in judgment only.
O'Neill, J., dissents with dissenting opinion.
Dissenting Opinion
{¶ 29} I must respectfully dissent from the majority in this matter, for the trial court has made a significant evidentiary error and a manifest injustice is sure to follow if this court were to ratify the error.
{¶ 30} By definition, wrongful death cases are fraught with emotion. Someone has died, and their estate seeks justice for what they allege to be the wrongful action of others. When you add the allegation that medical providers contributed to the death, the necessity of thinking and analyzing facts, with precision, is required.
{¶ 31} When lawyers, jurors, and judges embark upon the task of analyzing medical evidence, they are on unfamiliar and easily misunderstood ground indeed. Thus, the very essence of all such lawsuits invariably boils down to the battle of the experts. One side provides a distinguished doctor to express the opinion that the care received by the decedent led to an untimely demise. And the other side invariably provides an equally distinguished doctor to carefully explain that everything possible was done in a compassionate attempt to save a life. Thus, juries are needed to weigh the competing theories and arrive at a just verdict. That is the American Way.
{¶ 32} However, experts can only render opinions upon facts which are properly admitted into evidence.3 In the instant matter, there is one fact which, when weighed, will clearly spell victory for one side and doom for the other. Appellant's key witness, Officer Robert Paterniti, has testified under oath that the first ambulance to arrive did not have a defibrillator unit and the medics failed to "defibrillate" the decedent until the arrival of the second ambulance, some twenty minutes later.
{¶ 33} The trial court found that appellant's experts "have opined that the failure to timely defibrillate the decedent caused her to loose [sic.] a chance of survival." Thus, appellant's expert opinion, based upon appellant's witness, if believed, would result in a favorable verdict for the decedent's estate.
{¶ 34} However, in response, appellee has presented the affidavit of Kevin Orwick, who was the paramedic on the first ambulance. Orwick is also unequivocal in his assertion that he and his partner used their defibrillator unit within the first two minutes of arrival. Thus, since both sides cannot be believed on the same question, a question of fact exists.
{¶ 35} The trial court ventured into a prohibited exercise when it weighed the competing versions of the same event, and found that Officer Paterniti's statements "were quite equivocal and he, in the end, stated he did not know if the defibrillator was in fact used. He was not present at all times and he acknowledged that defibrillation could have occurred without him being aware of such." The question is made all the more confusing by the fact that actual documentary evidence of defibrillation is present for ambulance number two, but missing for ambulance number one. Appellant's expert doctor opines this is evidence of fraud, but that is a question for another day.
{¶ 36} The bottom line is that appellant, as the non-moving party, is entitled to all reasonable inferences pursuant to Civ.R. 56. In this matter, the inference is clear that defibrillation did not occur in the first twenty minutes. It is not the job of the court of appeals to accept or reject any inference. However, it is our job to ensure that the trial court properly conducted its function in that regard.
{¶ 37} It is not the place for the trial court, in a summary judgment exercise, either to weigh the evidence before it or to accept one party's interpretation of that evidence.4 Rather, the trial court is required to construe the evidence most favorable for the non-moving party, unless the evidence is so one-sided or so unreliable that one party must prevail as a matter of law.5
{¶ 38} Stated simply, summary judgment cannot be granted if an inference in support of the non-moving party's position can be drawn from the facts.6 Such is clearly the case in this matter. As stated by the Supreme Court of Ohio, when ruling on a motion for summary judgment, the trial court is not permitted to weigh the evidence or choose among reasonable inferences.7
{¶ 39} The standard of review in a summary judgment is clear. The Supreme Court of Ohio enunciated the standard in Temple v.Wean United, when it held:
{¶ 40} "[B]efore summary judgment may be granted, it must be determined that: (1) [n]o genuine issue as to any material fact remains to be litigated; (2) the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law; and (3) it appears from the evidence that reasonable minds can come to but one conclusion, andviewing such evidence most strongly in favor of the partyagainst whom the motion for summary judgment is made, that conclusion is adverse to that party." 8 (Emphasis added.)
{¶ 41} There is no question that Officer Paterniti's testimony was "equivocal" as the trial court found. Honest answers do not always fit into a cookie-cutter formula. However, he was unequivocal when he testified that when the first ambulance crew arrived they did NOT have a defibrillator with them. That is more than an inference. It is direct testimony. And he was unequivocal when he testified that one of the medics almost immediately returned outside to the ambulance in an apparent search for additional equipment.
{¶ 42} When those uncontradicted facts are combined with the facts that there is no "strip" from the first crew's defibrillation machine demonstrating its use and there is a "strip" from the second machine documenting its use twenty minutes later; a clear inference has arisen. It is axiomatic that when the court considers the evidence presented with regard to summary judgment, it should not attempt to usurp the jury's role of assessing credibility, weighing the evidence, or drawing inferences.9
{¶ 43} Reasonable minds could readily differ on the key question of fact in this matter. From the evidence before me, I do not know if the initial defibrillation was performed within two minutes of arrival or twenty minutes later by the second ambulance crew. Reasonable minds could differ on that question. As a matter of law, summary judgment was inappropriate. A jury must weigh this competing evidence and arrive at a verdict.