Lewis Barbe Expert Witness - Guidrey Case

896 So.2d 164. 2004-325 (La.App. 3 Cir.
1 2 / 2 9/04)
(Cite as: 896 So.2d 164, 2004-325 (La.App. 3 Cir. 12/29/04))
H
Cour t of Appea l o f Louisia na.
Thir d Cir cuit .
Jul i e G UI DRY. et al.
v.
CO REG I S I NSUR ANC E C O M PANY , et al.
No. 04-325.
Dec. 29, 2004.
Background: Widow for herself and on behalf of her children brought legal
malpractice action against attorneys for allowing cause of action for wrongful
death of her husband, who was electrocuted while repairing a sign. to prescribe.
Following a jury verdict, the Fourteenth .1u-dicial District Court, Parish of
Calcasieu. No. 98-4848,( Michael Canada \ . J.. granted plaintiffs a judgment notwithstanding the verdict (JNOV) reallocating fault among the potential defendants
in underlying case. All parties appealed.
Holdings: The Court of Appeal, Woodard, J.. held that:
(1 ) whether aerial ladder husband was using was unreasonably dangerous in
design because bucket was not insulated, and whether lack of insulation was a
proximate cause of husband's death, were issues for the jury:
0 whether owner of truck stop that requested signs be repaired breached its duty
to not expose widow's husband to unreasonable risks of harm, and whether
husband would not have died but for such breach, were issues for the j ury:
(.3.4 whether sign company who had employed widow's husband breached its duty
under the Workers' Compensation Law, and whether husband would not have died
but for such breach, were issues for the jury:
(4.) evidence was sufficient to support jury's allocation of fault to parties who would
have been the defendants in the underlying action:
(.5) child who was not a biological child of widow's husband could not recover
wrongful death and survivor benefits:
(o) evidence was sufficient to support award of $350.000 for husband's past
wages and loss of earning capacity: and t7f award of $10,000 for husband's pre death pain and suffering was so low in proportion to the injury that it shocked the
conscience, and award of $75,000 was the
lowest reasonable amount.
Affirmed in part as amended, reversed in part. and rendered.
Woodard. J.. concurred in part and assigned reasons.

West I leadnotes
J l Attorney and Client 45 C-----'129(4)
45 Attorney and Client
45111 Duties and Liabilities of Attorney to Client 45k1 9 Actions for Negligence or
Wrongful Acts 45k129(4) k. Damages and Costs. \ 10 , 4 Ciit:4
Aside from distress resulting from the legal malpractice, plaintiffs' damages in a
legal malpractice suit are determined by the damages, if any. they would have re ceived had they prevailed in the underlying lawsuit.
1_;_j Attorney and Client 45 ;=.105.5
;Lill! Duties and Liabilities of Attorney to Client 151:105.5 k. Elements of
Malpractice or Negligence Action in General. \lost Cited
A legal malpractice plaintiff must establish a prima facie case by showing that
she and the attorney had an attorney-client relationship and that her attorney was
negligent.
1.31 Attorney and Client 45 C---)129(2)
45111 Duties and Liabilities of Attorney to Client Actions for Negligence or
Wrongful Acts 45k129(2) k. Pleading and Evidence. Moss. Cited Cases
In a legal malpractice action. after the plaintiff establishes a prima facie case
by showing that she and the attorney had an underlying attorney-client
relationship and that the attorney was negligent, the burden of production
896 So.2d 164,2004-325 (La.App. 3 Cir. 12/29/04)

shifts to the defendant attorney, charging him to provide evidence sufficient to prove the
plaintiff would not have prevailed on the underlying claim.
t_41 Attorney and Client 45 ---)129(3)
45111 Duties and Liabilities of Attorney to Client <15k129 Actions for Negligence
or Wrongful Acts 45k..20 .3) k. Trial and Judgment. Most Cited Cases
Products Liability 313A 1 :='256
313A Products Liability
"3..13,A111 Particular Products
313Ak256 k. Ladders and Scaffolds. Most Cited
caws
(Formerly 313Ak94)
Products Liability 313A 0= 7 400
.3133 Products Liability
313 AI V Actions
313AIV( D) Questions of Law or Fact
313AHOO k. In General. Most Cited Cases
(Formerly 3 I 3Ak94)
Whether aerial ladder was unreasonably dangerous, whether ladder was
employed in a reasonably anticipated use, and whether lack of fiberglass insulation

was a proximate cause of death, were issues for the jury. in widow's legal
malpractice action in which jury was required to allocate fault among potential
defendants brought against attorneys for allowing cause of action for wrongful death
of her husband, who was electrocuted while repairing a sign. to prescribe: witne ss
testified that if bucket husband was in had been insulated with fiberglass husband
would have only suffered a slight shock. witnesses testified that aerial ladder was
commonly used in sign industry, and there was no evidence that widow's husband
was operating the ladder in an inappropriate manner. 1..SA-R.S. 0:2800,56(2).
A duty-risk analysis is used to determine whether a party is liable for its negligence
given the particular facts of the case.
thi Negligence 272 202
171
Negligence
772.1 In General
k. Elements in General. Mo , q Cited
cases
Duty-risk analysis used to determine whether a party is liable for its negligence given
the particular facts of the case consists of four elements: (I) whether the defendant owed
the plaintiff a duty of care: (2) and if so. whether that duty encompassed the particular
risk of harm the plaintiff suffered: (3) whether the defendant breached that duty: (4) and if
so, whether the breach was a cause-in-fact of the plaintiff's injuries.
0, Negligence 272 C=>1010
272 Negligence
2:12xyll Premises Liability
272X Vt1(.13.) Necessity and Existence of Duty
2771,1010 k. In General. Most CitQd Caws
Negligence 272 = ) 1032

27? Negligence
272X VII Premises Liability
272X VlI(C.) Standard of Care
77 . 210 . 032 k. Reasonable or Ordinary Care in
General. Most Cited Cases
Negligence 272 C---'1033
277 Negligence
272X VII Premises Liability
272XV11(.C) Standard of Care
272k
k. Reasonably Safe or Unreasonably
Dangerous Conditions. Most Cited Cases

Generally. the owner or operator of a facility has the duty of exercising reasonable
care for the safety of persons on his premises and the duty of not exposing such
persons to unreasonable risks of injury or harm.896 So.2d 164. 2004-325 (La.App. 3
Cir. 12,'29/04)
0.3 Electricity 145 C'14(1)
145 Electricity
145k12 Injuries Incident to Production or Use
145k14 Care Required in General
145k14W k. In General. Most Cited aces
Owner of truck stop that requested its signs he repaired had a duty to not
expose sign company employee to unreasonable risks of harm.
L1 Attorney and Client 45 ----'129(3)

45 . 414 Duties and Liabilities of Attorney to Client 45k129 Actions for
Negligence or Wrongful Acts 451,1290) k. Trial and Judgment. 1 \1oi Cited
Cases
Electricity 145 re=:;'19(9)
145 Electricity
145k12 Injuries Incident to Production or Use
145k 19 Actions
145k190 ) Questions for Jury
45k1919 k. Prevention of Contact Be tween Different Wires or Conductors. Most cited Caws
Whether owner of truck stop that requested its signs be repaired breached its
duty to not expose widow's husband, who worked for sign company, to
unreasonable risks of harm, and whether signs' proximity to power lines was
cause of husband's death, were issues for the . jury. in widow's legal malpractice
action against attorneys who allowed cause of action for wrongful death of her
husband. who was electrocuted while repairing signs. to pre scribe. wherein jury
was required to allocate fault among potential defendants in underlying suit:
there was evidence that placement of one of the signs on pole containing three
signs violated Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rule
requiring a ten-foot clearance from overhead power lines, and that it was
impossible for widow's husband to work on such sign without violatin g ten foot
rule.
110( Negligence 272 0'211
37;1, Negligence
27211 Necessity and Existence of Duty

'7'k211 k. Public Policy Concerns. \lost( ited
The scope of the duty inquiry on a negligence claim is ultimately a question of

policy as to whether the particular risk falls within the scope of the duty.
1111 Workers' Compensation 413 ----'2095
413 Workers' Compensation
413XX Effect of Act on Other Statutory or Common-Law Rights of Action and Defenses
:413 NNI,A) Between Employer and Employee 413X Xt /1)1 Exclusiveness
of Remedies Afforded by Acts
131.2095 k. Failure to Install or Maintain Safety Devices. Most Cited Caws
Workers' Compensation Law requires employers to do everything reasonably
necessary to protect the life. health, safety. and welfare of its employees,
including providing proper safety devices and safeguards to render the
employment safe, considering the normal hazards of such employment. 1,SA -IU>,
23: H.
J12[ Workers' Compensation 413 '2095
4 I Workers' Compensation
413X X Effect of Act on Other Statutory or Common Law Rights of Action and Defenses
.113 X X(A) Between Employer and Employee
413 XX(A)) Exclusiveness of Remedies At=
forded by Acts
4131.2095 k. Failure to Install or Maintain
Safety Devices. Most Cited Cases
Duty under the Workers' Compensation Law of sign repair company to protect
the life and safety of its employee encompassed the particular risk of injury by a
power
line: company knew that power lines posed a normal hazard to its employees, and
it was a frequent topic of conversation among its employees. 1..SA-R.S.
1131 Attorney and Client 45 c'129(3)
4511 . 1 Duties and Liabilities of Attorney to Client 45k129 Actions for
Negligence or Wrongful Acts 45k129(3) k. Trial and Judgment. Xlo:4 Citc,1
Cases
96 So.2d 164. 2004-325 (La.App. 3 Cir. 12/29/04)

Electricity 145 C19(6.1)
145 Electricity
145k12. Injuries Incident to Production or Use
145k 19 Actions
145k190_) Questions for Jury
145J:190.1) k. In General. 11 i1ost Cited
Cases
Whether sign company that employed widow's husband breached its duty under the
Workers' Compensation Law to do everything reasonably necessary to protect life and
safety of husband. and whether but for company's breach of such duty husband would not
have been clec-trocuted. were issues for the jury, in widow's legal malpractice action
against attorneys who allowed cause of action for wrongful death of her husband. who
was electrocuted while repairing signs. to prescribe. wherein jury was required to
allocate fault among potential defendants in underlying suit: witness testified that if bucket
on aerial ladder supplied by company that husband was in had been insulated husband
would have
only suffered a slight shock. and there was evidence that company failed to place
proper significance on adherence to Occupational Safety and Health Administration's
(OSHA) rule requiring persons to maintain a ten-foot clearance from overhead power
lines. 1.SA-R..S. 23:13.
J14[ Negligence 272 ( C'371
212 Negligence
272;011 Proximate Cause
272k371 k. Necessity of Causation. I\
ited Caws
Negligence 272 379

2.72. Negligence
272N111 Proximate Cause
272k374 Requisites. Definitions and Distinctions 27210 7 9 k. "But-For" Causation:
Act Without Which Event Would Not Have Occurred. Nio,t i. ited Cases
Cause-in-fact is one of the essential elements of a plaintiffs personal injury claim, and
it
is usually determined by using a "but for" test: if the plaintiff would not have been injured
"but for" the defendant's conduct, the cause-in-fact component is met.115[ Negligence
272 C-1421
272 Negligence
272X111 Proximate Cause
27;1420 Concurrent Causes

2721.421 k. In General. Most Cited Cases
When there is more than one action that, allegedly. precipitated an accident. the "substantial
factor test." rather than the "but for" test. is used to establish cause-infact.
11(1 Electricity 145 e---19(5)
145 Electricity
1-15k12 Injuries Incident to Production or Use
-15k )9 Actions
1.4509(.5) k. Weight and Sufficiency of Evidence. Mosicit..sit Cases
Evidence was sufficient to establish, in widow's legal malpractice action against
attorneys for allowing cause of action for wrongful death of husband to prescribe, that
actions by owner of truck stop, breach by sign company that employed husband of its
duty under the Workers' Compensation Law, husband's actions, and actions by aerial
ladder's manufacturer, were all substantial factors in husband's electrocution: witness
testified that if bucket on aerial ladder had been insulated husband would have only
suffered a slight shock, there was evidence that company failed to place proper
significance on adherence to Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA)
rule requiring persons to maintain a ten-foot clearance from overhead power lines,
manager of truck stop asked owner to work on pole having sign that violated OSI- IA rule,
and husband failed to use a safety harness or seat belt. or request that electric company
shield lines near pole to make them safe. I
11 - [ Appeal and Error 30 0'999(3)
30 Appeal and Error
30\V1 Review
30XVI(1) Questions of Fact. Verdicts, and Findings

30XV11,112 Verdicts
30k999 Conclusiveness in General
30k()990 ) k. Questions of Fraud or Negligence. Most Cited. Cases
896 So.2d 164, 2004-325 (La.App. 3 Cir. 12/29/04)
(Cite as: 896 So.2d 164, 2004-325 (La.App. 3 Cir. 12/29/04))As with other factual
determinations, the trier of fact is vested with much discretion in its allocation of
fault. and therefore an appellate court should only disturb the trier of fact's
allocation of fault when it is clearly wrong or manifestly erroneous.
118 [ Appeal and Error 30 ---)999(3)
30 Appeal and Error
3p:\ y I Review
30XVI(1) Questions of Fact. Verdicts, and Find ings
30XVI(I)2 Verdicts
30k999 Conclusiveness in General
30k999(3) k. Questions of Fraud or Negligence. Most Cited Cases
In testing for manifest error a jury's allocation of fault when more that one action
allegedly precipitated an accident, Court of Appeal looks to the following factors :
(1) whether the conduct resulted from inadvertence or involved an awareness of
the danger: (2) how great a risk was created by the conduct; (3) the significance of
what was sought by the conduct; (4) the capacities of the actor. whether superior
or inferior; and (5) any extenuating circumstances which might require the actor to
proceed in haste, without proper thought.
1191 Appeal and Error 30 =.999(3)

30 Appeal and Error
1()NV1 Review
0X V1(1) Questions of Fact. Verdicts, and Findings
30XVI(1)2 Verdicts
30099 Conclusiveness in General
30k99 0 (3) k. Questions of Fraud or Negligence. Most Cited Cases
As evidenced by concepts such as last clear chance. the relationship between
the fault/negligent conduct and the harm to the plaintiff are considerations in
determining the relative fault of the parties, when Court of Appeal tests for
manifest error a jury's allocation of fault when more that one action allegedly
precipitated an accident.
J20[ Electricity 145 =17
1215 Electricity
145k 17 k. Companies and Persons Liable. Most Cited Caies
Evidence was sufficient to support. in widow's legal malpractice action against
attorneys for allowing cause of action for wrongful death of husband to prescribe,
allocation of 20% of fault for electrocution of husband to owner of truck stop whose
sign widow's husband was repairing. 45% to sign company that employed
husband, 30% to husband's actions, and five percent to aerial ladder's
manufacturer: there was evidence that husband was an experienced sign worker
and was aware of danger posed by overhead power lines, that Occupational Safety
and Health Administration (OSHA) held company responsible for violation of ten foot clearance from overhead line rule, that company rather than manufacturer was
in best position to determine whether it should have used an aerial ladder that had
an insulated bucket, and that owner of truck stop placed sign close to power line in
violation of OSHA rule. I ,SA-R.S.
J21[ Judgment 228 ='199(3.5)
228 Judgment
228\il On Trial of Issues
228 VI(A) Rendition. Form. and Requisites in
General
228k109 Notwithstanding Verdict
2281.199(3.5) . k. Propriety of Judgment in
General. Most Cited Cases
Judgment notwithstanding the verdict (JNOV) is warranted, only, when the
facts and inferences point so strongly and overwhelmingly in favor of one party
that the trial court believes that reasonable persons could not arrive at a contrary
verdict.
1221 Judgment 228199(3.6)
228 Judgment
_'__'8VI On Trial of Issues
228V1(A) Rendition, Form, and Requisites in
General
2281.199 Notwithstanding Verdict
22410 0 ( 3.6) k. Where Evidence Is Conflicting or Where Different Inferences May Be Reasona bly Drawn Therefrom. Mo ! ,1(A .g tca s es
A trial court may not grant a judgment notwithstanding the verdict (JNOV) if
there is contradictory evidence
896 So.2d 164. 2004-325 (La.App. 3 Cir. 12,29/04)

which is of such quality and weight that reasonable and fair-minded persons in the
exercise of impartial judgment might reach different conclusions.
1231 Judgment 228 ='199(3.2)
228 Judgment
228V1 On Trial of Issues
2 . 2.8 V1(1) Rendition. Form, and Requisites in
General
2281:I99 Notwithstanding Verdict
1
28k199(3.2) k. Evidence and Inferences
That May Be Considered or Drawn. Most Cited Cacs

Judgment 228 ---'199(3.3)
228. Judgment
228V1 On Trial of Issues
228V1(A) Rendition. Form, and Requisites in
General
218k199 Notwithstanding Verdict
2281.1990.3) k. Credibility of Witnesses
and Weight of Evidence. Most Cited Ca ,,cs
The trial court should not evaluate witnesses' credibility in deciding whether to grant
a judgment notwithstanding the verdict (JNOV), and it must resolve all inferences or
factual questions in favor of the non-moving party.
1241 Appeal and Error 30 =1463

30 Appeal and Error
30 \ VI Review
30 X VILA Scope, Standards, and Extent, in General
30k862 Extent of Review Dependent on Nature
of Decision Appealed from
$0kS63 k. In General. Most. Cited Case ,.
Court of Appeal reviews a trial court's grant of judgment notwithstanding the
verdict (JNOV) by using the same criterion that governs its decision.
1251 Appeal and Error 30 C'863
30 Appeal and Error
30XV1 Review
l
30k802 Extent of Review Dependent on Nature
of Decision Appealed from
301:803 k. In General. Most Cited Cases
In an appeal of a judgment notwithstanding the verdict (JNOV), if reasonable persons
might have reached the same verdict as the jury. Court of Appeal should reinstate its
verdict.
1261 Evidence 157 C----)555.7
15.7 Evidence
157 \ 11 Opinion Evidence
57X11(I)) Examination of Experts
I 57k555 Basis of Opinion
157055,7 k. Due Care and Proper Conduct.

Most Cited Cases
Trial court did not abuse its discretion and violate the /),./ribcrir /.-.)rw tests, in
widow's legal malpractice action against attorneys for allowing cause of action for
wrongful death of husband, who was electrocuted while repairing signs. to prescribe,
by allowing widow's mechanical engineering and accident reconstruction expert to
testify regarding his alternative design to include an electric brake on aerial ladder;
brakes had been incorporated in similar devices, namely cranes, manufacturer's
expert admitted that adding a brake was a feasible design, and factual determination
of whether the primary purpose of ladder, to carry humans rather than cargo. caused
adverse effect of a brake in a ladder to outweigh its utility was properly submitted to
the jury. 1.S A-C.I .
11211 Evidence 157 ,.....2519
157 Evidence
157.\1I Opinion Evidence
1.57
i) Subjects of Expert Testimony
157k519 k. Nature, Condition, and Relation of

Objects. Most . Cited Cries
Evidence 157 1 555.7
.117 Evidence
157 \II Opinion Evidence
157X I li.D) Examination of Experts
1..5.2.1s5.55. Basis of Opinion
157055.7 k. Due Care and Proper Conduct.
Most Cited Cases
896 So.2d 164,2004-325 (La.App. 3 Cir. 12/29/04)

Evidence 157 e556
. 157
Evidence
157X11 Opinion Evidence

157X1111)) Examination of Experts
157k556 k. References to Authorities on Subject. Most Cited Cases
Trial court did not abuse its discretion and violate the Dotibert/ / 7. ,,rei tests, in
widow's legal malpractice action against attorneys for allowing cause of action for
wrongful death of husband, who was electrocuted while repairing signs, to
prescribe, by permitting widow's expert, a physicist and professional engineer with
a specialty in human vision, to testify that a person viewing horizontal power lines
against a clear sky could not accurately perceive his distance from them because
of a principle called stereopsis; expert offered an article that had been pub lished
on the subject showing that the theory had been tested and discuss ed the known
potential rates of error, and testimony was relevant, even if it assumed widow's
husband was looking toward the power lines just before he struck them in the
absence of testimony establishing same, as testimony shed light on a factual
issue. I SA-(.I;. art. 702.
1281 Appeal and Error 30 ---'984(1)
..t) Appeal and Error
30XV1 Review
30N . Y1 . (11) Discretion of Lower Court
30k984 Costs and Allowances
30k084( . I) k. In General. Most . Cited Cases
Costs 102 12
102 Costs
1021 Nature, Grounds, and Extent of Right in General
102k1 I Discretion of Court
102k 12 k. In General. Most Cited Cases
The trial court has broad discretion to award and assess costs, and Court of
Appeal will not disturb its ruling absent an abuse of discretion.
1291. Costs 102 =3,187
102 Costs
102V11 Amount, Rate, and Items
1 Qzjiit3 183 Witnesses' Fees
102k187 k. Experts. Most Cited Cases

The degree to which the expert's opinion aided the court in its decision is one of
the factors to consider when assessing costs of an expert witness's fee.
1301 Attorney and Client 45 C='129(4)
15111 Duties and Liabilities of Attorney to Client 451.1:.',0 Actions for
Negligence or Wrongful Acts 45k129(0 k. Damages and Costs. Mosi ( Cases
Trial court did not abuse its discretion, in widow's le gal malpractice action
against attorneys for allowing cause of action for wrongful death of husband.
who was electrocuted while repairing signs. to prescribe. by award ing widow
fees she incurred for testimony by mechanical / engineering and accident
reconstruction expert and by i engineer with a specialty in human vision,

since experts' testimony was admissible.
J311 Damages 115 C---)60
.111
Damages
I 15111 Grounds and Subjects of Compensatory Damages

I I 5111( .13) Aggravation, Mitigation, and Reduction
of Loss
k. Benefits Incident to Injury. Most
Cited (. ases
If a plaintiff receives benefits from a source independent of the tortfeasor, the
benefits inure to the plaintiff, not to the tortfeasor, and if the independent source
does not intervene to recoup the benefits it already paid. the plaintiff may recover
the same amount of the benefits from the tortfeasor.
1321 Workers' Compensation 413 ---'2243
413 Workers' Compensation
.413 XX Effect of Act on Other Statutory or Common-Law Rights of Action and
Defenses
413X \K.') Action Against Third Persons in General for Employee's Injury or Death
413 X( . 0 t6 Amount and Items of Recovery 1131;2243 k. Action by
Employee, Dependents, or Personal Representative. Most Cited Cases
96 So.2d 164, 2004-325 (La.App. 3 Cir. 12/29/04)

Under collateral source rule, widow, in her legal malpractice action against attorneys
for allowing cause of action for wrongful death of husband to prescribe, could recover
medical and funeral expenses which husband's workers' compensation carrier had
already paid; though attorneys were not the tortfeasors in the underlying suit, because
the two liable tortfeasors in the underlying action could not under the collateral source
rule benefit from carrier's payment, neither could attorneys.
1.33 Attorney and Client 45 4 112
45111 Duties and Liabilities of Attorney to Client 45k112 k. Conduct of
Litigation. Most ( itcd Cases
Death 117 ----)31(8)
117 Death
(17111 Actions for Causing Death
I I '7111(A) Right of Action and Defenses
1171(31 Persons Entitled to Sue
117101(8) k. Child or Grandchild. Most
Cited Caws
Child who was not a biological child of widow's electrocuted husband could not
recover wrongful death and survivor benefits, in widow's legal malpractice action
brought on behalf of herself and her children against attorneys for allowing cause of
action for wrongful death of husband to prescribe, despite husband's signature on
child's birth certificate and his execution of an Act of Acknowledgment of Paternity;
Acknowledgment was a nullity when both the child and the widow admitted husband
had no biological relationship to the child. 1.S.A-C .0arts.
71 5.1.2 3 1s 2
J34[ Attorney and Client 45 ---2129(4)

45)11 Duties and Liabilities of Attorney to Client 5k12,9 Actions for Negligence or
Wrongful Acts 45k 1.291 k. Damages and Costs. Mos
Cases
Death 117 9.5(1)
.117
Death
117111 Actions for Causing Death

117111(11) Damages or Compensation
1.171.94 Measure and Amount Awarded
117k95 In General
1171.9SW k. In General. N10 , 4 Cited
,
Cases
Death 117 C--195(2)
117 Death
1 171.11 Actions for Causing Death
117111(11) Damages or Compensation
117104 Measure and Amount Awarded
117k95 In General
11705(2) k. Prospective Earnings and
Accumulations of Deceased. Most '1ted Cases
Evidence was sufficient to establish award of $350.000 for past wages and loss of
earning capacity of husband, who was electrocuted while repairing signs, upon
widow's wrongful death cause of action, although figure did not match that calculated
by experts, since jury was permitted to substitute common sense and judgment for
that of an expert witness when such substitution appeared warranted on the record as
a whole; thus, award of such amount was proper in widow's legal malpractice action
against attorneys for allowing her wrongful death claim to prescribe.
Lit Evidence 157 = . 570
151 Evidence
15.711 Opinion Evidence
57X110. Effect of Opinion Evidence
157k50.9 Testimony of Experts
1511.570 k. In General. Moq Cited Case ,,
Trial 388 '140(1)
38X Trial
388VI'Fakini.; Case or Question from Jury
:,88V1LA) Questions of Law or of Fact in General
388kI40 Credibility of Witnesses
388k140t.1.t k. In General. Most (lied Case5
Credibility determinations are for the trier of fact, even as to the evaluation of expert
witness testimony.
1361 Evidence 157 .---'570
896 So.2d 164, 2004-325 (La.App. 3 Cir. 12/29/04)
157 Evidence
157X11 Opinion Evidence
157)X11(I") Effect of Opinion Evidence
157k56> Testimony of Experts
j.57)070 k. In General. Most Cited Caves

A fact-finder may accept or reject the opinion expressed by an expert, in whole or in
part.
1371 Appeal and Error 30 )1004(5)
30 Appeal and Error
30XV1 Review
30X V1(1) Questions of Fact, Verdicts, and Findings
30NVI(1)? Verdicts
30k1004 Amount of Recovery
301.100-1(5) k. Mistake. Passion or Prejudice; Shocking Conscience or Sense of Justice. Most
Cited Cases
Damages 115
1 I 5 Damages
115V1 Measure of Damages
I 15 VI(A) Injuries to the Person
115k96 k. Discretion as to Amount of Damages.
Most Cited Cases
Damages 115 :;'104
1. I 5 Damages
H 5V I Measure of Damages
115V1t13) Injuries to Property
115k 104 k. Discretion as to Amount of Damages. Most Cited Cases
Damages 115 =7119

115 Damages
I I 5V1 Measure of Damages
11.5 VIR') Breach of Contract
1 1 . 5k11 9 k. Discretion as to Amount of Damages. Most Cited Cases
A jury has vast discretion in assessing damages. and Court of Appeal may find that it
abused this discretion. only, if its award is so low in proportion to the injury that it shocks
Court's conscience.
J38i. Attorney and Client 45 Ce'129(4)
4.5. Attorney and Client
-15111 Duties and Liabilities of Attorney to Client 45k .1_2) Actions for Negligence or
Wrongful Acts 45k1 29(4) k. Damages and Costs. Most c:Jted clit.! !es
Death 117 e---)98
117 Death
.44.,741.1 Actions for Causing Death
I 1.710()1) Damages or Compensation
117.k94 Measure and Amount Awarded
k. Inadequate Damages. Mos'
Award of $10.000 for husband's pre-death pain and suffering was so low in
proportion to the injury that it shocked the conscience, and award of $75,000 was
the lowest reasonable amount that could be awarded for wrongful death of husband,
who was electrocuted while repairing signs. in view of evidence that husband was
conscious for some amount of time after contacting overhead power lines while
working on aerial ladder and being thrown to the ground with smoke coming off his
shirt: thus, award of $75,000 was proper in widow's legal malpractice action against
attorneys for allowing her wrongful death claim to prescribe.
1391 Damages 115 '140.7
I_I5 Damages
1 ISVII Amount Awarded
l5V1
Mental Suffering and Emotional Dis-
tress
115k140.7 k. Particular Cases. Mos' Cited
Cases
(Formerly 115k140.5)
Award of $30,000.00 for mental anguish arising from attorneys' malpractice was
not abusively low, in widow's legal malpractice action against attorneys for allowing
cause of action for wrongful death of husband, who was electrocuted while repairing
signs, to prescribe.
*170 Lam Lane Roy, Preis, Kraft & Roy, Lafayette. Louisiana, for
Defendant/Appellant. James Daniels. Ringuet. Daniels & Collier.
96 So.2d 164, 2004-325 (La.App. 3 Cir. 12/29/04)
Gus A. Fritchie, Irwin Fritchie Urquhart & Moore. New Orleans, Louisiana, for
Defendant/Appellant. Lawrence D. Wiedemann. Wiedemann & Wiedemann.
Gregory Paul Allen Marceam, Marceaux Law Firm., Bilk F. Loftin, Jr., Lake
Charles, Louisiana. for Plain-tiff/Appellant. Julie Guidry:.
James Huey Gibson, Allen & Gooch, Lafayette, Louisi ana, for
Defendant/Appellant, Coregis Ins. Co.

Court composed of Chief Judge
1 - 111BODFAUX. 1111.1.11: COLONMARO WOODARD.
and OSWALD A. IM'Cl.i1R, Judges.
**l WOODARD, Judge.
Both the Plaintiffs and Defendants appeal the trial court's judgment in this legal
malpractice suit. We reverse the damages awarded to Randi Guidry because she
is not a proper party to recover wrongful death or survival damages. We vacate the
trial court's JNOV. reinstate the jury's verdict, amend its judgment to increase the
quantum of damages for pain and suffering, and render.
This appeal arises from Ms. Julie Guidry's legal malpractice claim against two
attorneys, Mr. James L. Daniels and Mr. Lawrence D. Wiedemann, for allowing her
potential cause of action for the wrongful death of her husband, Melvin Guidry, to
prescribe. The underlying action arose when her husband died after being electrocuted in the course and scope of his employment as a billboard and sign
repairman for Signko, Inc. (Signko). On June 23, 1997, Signko sent him to the
Lucky Longhorn Truckstop (Lucky) to repair a "Chevron" sign. After he arrived,
Lucky's manager. Mr. James William Hayes. asked him to work on some of the
other signs. as well. To access them, Melvin utilized a Sponco SL -55 aerial ladder. a ladder attached to a truck that has a bucket at the end to hold the operator.
While working on the signs, he contacted with some overhead power lines,
electrocuting him and throwing him to the ground. He died from the injuries a few
hours after the accident.
Julie retained Mr. Daniels to pursue her claims for his death. Daniels referred
her case to Mr. Wiedemann. retaining an interest in any potential recovery.
However, neither attorney filed her suit within one year of Melvin's death, allowing
her claim to prescribe. Consequently, she
tiled a legal malpractice action against the two attorneys. on her ow n behalf and
on behalf of her two daughters, both minors at the time she filed suit. She alleged
that the attorneys' negligence prevented her from recovering against several
defendants who shared responsibility for her husband's death. She also prayed for
damages associated with the legal malpractice.
*171 Lu Aside from distress resulting from the legal malpractice. itself, the
plaintiffs' damages in a legal malpractice suit are determined by the damages, if
any, they **2 would have received had they prevailed in the underlying lawsuit.'Accordingly, in order to determine
whether the attorneys' malpractice caused her and her daughters any damages, the
jury had to determine whether and how much they would have recovered in the
underlying suit" - Essentially. the jury in the legal malpractice suit had to "engage in a
pretend exercise of measuring damages based on events that never in reality
occurred or can occur,"
I-
- because the malpractice foreclosed their opportunity to
pursue their underlying claims against the actual persons allegedly responsible for
Melvin's death.
I NI. Jeukins r. Sr.
hre
lirc (
422 So.2d 1109 (I.a.1982).

FN2. Id.
SHIllit r. Shift!, .0(10 4il 1101//11
95-38 CI .a.6l25/96). 676 So.2d 543. 551 n. 9,
FN4S'inidt, 676 So.2d 541
The attorneys asserted that they would not have recovered any damages in
the underlying suit because Melvin and his employer were solely at fault for the
accident: any damage awards would have been reduced by his
own comparative negligence.'Additionally, because the

Louisiana Workers' Compensation Act is the exclusive remedy for any potential
claims against Melvin's employer, Signko, the Plaintiffs could not have recovered the
damages associated with Signko's fault in the underlying wrongful death actio n.
Rather, the Office of Workers' Compensation has jurisdiction over the Plaintiffs'
potential claim against Signko.' Furthermore, in the instant case, the Plaintiffs
reached a settlement with Signko under the workers' compensation laws while their
suit against the two attorneys was pending in the trial court.
FIN15. See La.Civ.C'ode art. 2R3(A).
896 So.2d 164, 2004-325 (La.App. 3 Cir. 12/29/04)
l'No. See La.R.S. 23:1W2.

Notwithstanding the Plaintiffs' inability to recover from Signko in their
underlying wrongful death action, Louisiana's comparative fault law would have
required a jury in such an action to consider Signko's fault.'
if a jury had allocated 100% of the fault to Melvin and/or to his employer, the
Plaintiffs' ultimate recovery would have been zero. Therefbre. the jury had to
assess the fault **3 of Melvin and his employer, as well as the fault of any potential
defendants in the underlying case.
Sponco Manufacturing
Kojis & Sons. Inc.
Enter:4y
Signko, Inc.
Melvin Guidry..1r.
Lucky Longhorn Truck Stop
The trial court granted Plaintiffs a Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict

(JNOV), reallocating Signko's fault percentage to Sponco, resulting in a 50% fault
allocation to it and no fault to Signko.
The jury assessed Julie's damages in the underlying lawsuit at $750,000.00, her
daughter, Randi's damages at $70,000.00, and her daughter. Mary's damages at
$250,000.00. Additionally, it found that the Plaintiffs were entitled to $10,000.00
*172 far Melvin's pre-death pain and suffering and $30,000.00 for their own mental
distress associated with the Defendants' legal malpractice.
Finally, the jury found that the two attorneys. Mr. Daniels and Mr.
Wiedemann, were equally responsible and assessed each with 50% of the fault.
Both the Plaintiffs and the Defendants appeal from the trial court's judgment.
The Defendants allege multiple assignments of error. Concerning the fault
allocation, they argue that the jury erred in allocating any fault to Luck y Longhorn
or to Sponco and that it should have allocated all or substantially more fault to
Melvin. They also assert that the trial court erred in granting the JNOV.
114.
Additionally, the Defendants urge that the trial court committed evidentiary
errors in admitting certain testimony that Plaintiffs' expert witnesses, Stephen **4
Kill1-N7. See La.Civ.Code art. 2323.
The Plaintiffs maintain that the potential defendants in the underlying case were
Sponco Manufactur-ing/Phoenix Sales (Sponco), the ladder's manufacturer: Kojis &
Sons, the company that sold the ladder to Signko: Lucky Longhorn Truck Stop. the
accident site: and En-tergy, the custodian of the power lines.
The jury allocated fault as follows:
540
0%
0%
4.5"/0
30%
20%
ingsworth and James Sobek, rendered; thus, they should not have to pay these two
experts' witness fees.
They also claim the trial court erred in allowing Plaintiffs to recover medical
and
funeral expenses and in permitting Randi Guidry to recover any damages.
The Plaintiffs appeal the judgment. urging us to increase the amount of
damages awarded for loss of support. pre-death pain and suffering, and mental
distress resulting from the malpractice.
ELEMENTS OF LEGAL MALPRACTICE CLAIM Lin A legal malpractice plaintiff

must establish a prima facie case by showing that she and the attorney had an
attorney-client relationship and that her attorney was
negligent.'In the instant case, the two attorneys admit
these two elements, establishing the Plaintiffs' primajiicic case. Accordingly, the burden
of production shifts to the Defendant attorneys, charging them to provide evidence
sufficient to prove the Plaintiffs would not have prevailed
on the underlying claim.' The admittedly unnatural result is that the Defendant attorneys must advocate a position in extreme contrast to the
position they previously agreed to advocate on their client's behalf. However, the rule is
justified because we must infer that their negligence caused the Plaintiffs' some loss,
given the unlikelihood that they would have agreed to handle the claim unless it had
some merit.' `''' "Otherwise, there is an un896 So.2d 164. 2004-325 (La.App. 3 Cir. 12/29/04)
due burden on an aggrieved client. who can prove negligence and causation of
some damages, when he has been relegated to seeking relief by the only remedy
available after his attorney's negligence precluded relief by means of the original
claim."
FN8../enkiffs. 422 So.2d 1109.

FN9.
EN10. Id.
FN I 1, Id. at I I 10.
STANDARD OF REVIEW
The Defendants' first two assignments of error involve liability determinations,
one based on the duty-risk analysis and the other based on **5 Louisiana
Products Liability law. These determinations involve questions of, both, law and
fact. The remaining alleged errors, which concern fault allocation, admissibility of
certain testimony that expert witnesses gave, and awards of damages and costs,
are all subject to the manifest error standard.'
FN 12. (. lenientrrey,_. 95- I I 1911.a. I 16 Q6),
666 Se] 2d . _ 607: Your, v. Ilariiimc Over\eas tolp . 623 So.2d 1257 (1.,t. I993 );
Shire, 03-680 (IAL 12 3;03). Md so,2d 536.
SPONCO'S FAULT
The Defendants assert that the jury erred in finding Sponco liable for Melvin's
*173 death. Again, they had the burden of proving that the Plaintiffs could not
have prevailed against Sponco.
Sponco is the manufacturer of the aerial ladder Melvin utilized when
working on Lucky's signs. The Louisiana Products Liability Act (LPLA)
establishes the exclusive theories for holding a manufacturer liable for
damages their products cause.'It requires that: 1) a
characteristic of the manufacturer's product renders it unreasonably dangerous; 2)
the unreasonably dangerous characteristic proximately caused the Plaintiffs
damages; and 3) the damages arose when employing the product in a reasonably
anticipated
use.' \ The LPLA enumerates limited means of demonstrating an unreasonably

dangerous characteristic. Namely, a plaintiff must prove the product had inadequate
warnings, failed to conform to the manufacturer's express warranties, or that the
dangerous characteristic is inherent in the product's design, construction, or
composition.'Thus, we turn first to a review of evidence concerning any
unreasonably dangerous characteristics.
I. N13. L A.It.S. 9:2800.52.
FN 14. I a.R.S. 9:2800.5-1(A).
I N15.
9:2800.54(B).
Inadequate Warnings
The Defendants presented evidence of adequate warnings. Specifically, Mr.
Harold Sader, Sponco's President, testified that the manuals delivered to every
customer, as well as the warning decals on the equipment. itself, admonish **6
operators that the equipment is not to be used within ten feet of energized power
lines. Mr. Brooks and Mr. Brady Kojis, a co-owner of Signko. verified his
testimony.
Failure to Cantor,,, to Express Warranties
Neither party presented evidence of any express warranties. Consequently.
there was no evidence of failure to conform to any.
Dangerous in Design
The LPLA requires several elements to show that a product is unreasonably
dangerous in design. First, it requires that an alternative design existed when the
manufacturer relinquished control of the product and that the alternative had the
capacity to prevent the plaintiffs damages.' " 1 " Additionally. it requires that "[Ole
likelihood that the product's design would cause the claimant's dam age and the
gravity of that damage outweighed the burden on the manufacturer of adopting
such alternative design and the adverse effect, if any, of such alternative design
on the utility of the product." 1 ":
1:T\116. La.R.S. 9:2801).56(1).
IN I 7. La.R.S. 0:2800.56(2).
Furthermore, once these requirements are met, the manufacturer can still
absolve itself of liability by showing that "it did not know and, in light of then existing reasonably available scientific and technological knowl edge, could not
have known," either, of the dangerous
characteristic or of the alternative design.'Alternatively, it can show that "in light of then-existin4 reasonably available scientific and
technological knowledge." the
896 So.2d 164, 2004-325 (La.App. 3 Cir. 12'29/04)

alternative design was not feasible or economically prac-tical.
17N118. La.R.S. 9:2800.59(A)( ) & (A)(2). l'N19. La.R.S. 9;2800._`9(A)(3).
The Defendants presented evidence that the ladder's design was not
unreasonably dangerous. Specifically, Sponco's President testified that three
manufacturers essentially dominated the manufacture of *174 these ladders and
that all had substantially the same design which had not changed in the last 20
years. The **7 Plaintiffs countered with three alternative designs, allegedly capable
of preventing Melvin's accident.
Mr. Stephen Killingsworth. Plaintiffs' expert witness in mechanical engineering
and accident reconstruction, first, proposed a design which included an electric
brake. While he admitted that he developed this alternative de sign only a couple
of weeks before trial, he asserted that similar devices, such as cranes, employed
an electric brake at the time of the SL-55 ladder's manufacture. Consequently, he
urges that his design simply applies mechanical engineering principles that did
exist at that time.
LA The Defendants refute his contention that his alternative design existed at
the time of manufacture, urging that the LPLA requires that the design exist for the
particular product in question: its existence for similar products is insufficient.
Furthermore, they point out that even accepting the trial court's characterization
that his design is not new but, rather, "an adaptation of an existing mode of
addressing good mechanical forces that was in existence at the time of 1991,"
cranes are sufficiently distinguishable from aerial ladders because cranes lift or
transport cargo rather than people. Mr. Killingsworth testified that some cranes
have a basket that can be put on them for people to use. However, he did not
deny that cranes primarily carry cargo while aerial ladders primarily carry people.
This is a crucial factor, absent in the design of cranes, that manufacturers must
consider when designing aerial ladders. Not only does it demonstrate the flaws in
Mr. Killingsworth's argument that his design for this particular ladder existed at the
time of manufacture, it is also of dire importance in the risk/utility analysis, as we
detail below.
Risk-Utilitl ,4nultsis
Mr. Killingsworth testified that the coast and drift on
the SL-55 made it unreasonably dangerous and that the proposed brake would
allow the operator to stop the ladder immediately. eliminating any coast or drift. He
described "coast" as "when you turn the power off it takes time for this electric
motor to wind down, which means when I flip the switch on it and I swing
[horizontally] this ladder over I can't stop that ladder immediately. It is going to
coast, coast to a stop." and "drift" as "the play that we've got in it [the gearing] so
that when this unit is finally **8 stopped, in other words, it is coasting and it stops,
when I have a mass on the end of it. that ladder can still drift over and move
because the mass on the end of it is still moving." The Defendants' experts gave
similar descriptions of coast and drift, although they explained that both occur
simultaneously rather than consecutively as Mr. Killingsworth intimated. Mr.
Killingsworth alleges that an electric brake would prevent coast and drill and.
instead, would produce an instantaneous stop.
The Defendants had a burden of proving that his design did not pass the riskutility test: namely, that its adverse effects outweighed the likelihood that the
product's actual design, which allowed coasting and drifting, would
have caused Melvin's electrocution:in other words.
that the risk, which an electric brake would create for aerial ladder operators. far
outweighed the risk that coasting or drifting of the ladder creates.
FN20. La.R.S. 92800.56(2).
Both Mr. Faddis, a mechanical engineering expert. and Mr. Sader t estified that,
by *175 design, the ladder nts/ have coast and drift. Mr. Sader said that "the stopping of a unit has to be cushioned in some fashion." Otherwise. "the operator out
there would probably be whipped around pretty severely." Mr. Faddis stated , Illy
design, anything that you start and stop, you have to build in some kind of
coasting by design .... it just simply makes sure that there are not any violent
motions put on an operator that is out at the end of the thing." Further more. Mr.
Killingsworth admitted that an immediate stop could make the bucket swing over.
Thus, by Mr. Killingsworth's own admission, the likelihood that "coasting and
drifting" would create an inability to avoid dangers, such as power lines, does not
outweigh the adverse effect of his design, which would place the operator in danger
in every instance he operated the ladder, as opposed to the current design, placing
the operator in danger only when its operation is coupled with being close to some
external dangerous condition.
C.) 2011 Thomson Reuters. No Claim to Orig. US Gov. Works.

896 So.2d 164, 2004-325 (La.App. 3 Cir. 12/29/04)
Accordingly, the Defendants presented sufficient evidence to prove that the
Plaintiff's would not have prevailed against Sponco on this particular issue.
Mr. Killingsworth proposed a second alternative design using proximity
warning devices. Electrical fields trigger alarms on such devices, and they existed
at the time of the ladder's manufacture. In fact, Sponco informed purchasers of
their existence and availability and left the decision up to them. However, both,
**9 Mr. Sader and Dr. John Darrell Morgan. an expert in electrical engineer ing
and accident reconstruction within the electrical engineering field, testified that
these devices were unreliable. Moreover, Dr. Morgan testified that because the
devices operate by using magnetic fields, any interference within the magnetic
field may distort the device's ability to detect the danger at the appropriate
proximity. Additionally, he testified that there are many factors which can interfere
with the magnetic field. Thus, such devices actually pro vided an added danger by
creating a false sense of security for the operator.
Accordingly, the Defendants proved that the absence of proximity warning
devices did not constitute a design defect.
Finally, the Plaintiffs presented an alternative design which insulated the
ladder's bucket with fiberglass. This design existed at the time of the ladder's
manufacture. In fact, Sponco manufactured another ladder at that lime which
incorporated the design. Sponco's 111 (insulated hydraulic) series of ladders had
insulated buckets. This proves that such a design was feasible and that Sponco
knew of it. Furthermore, testimony revealed that this design had the capacity to
prevent Melvin's accident. Specifically. Mr. Brooks testified that if the bucket were
insulated, Melvin would have suffered only a light shock, even if his body made
contact with the power lines. Furthermore, the Defendants presented no evidence
of adverse effects of insulation on the ladder's utility nor did they provide evidence
of any burden, other than higher costs, that Sponco would have incurred by
incorporating the design.
Accordingly, the jury could have found that the De fendants failed to carry
their burden of proving that the Plaintiffs would not have recovered against
Sponco on this design defect claim.
Dangerous in Construction or Composition
"illf, at the time the product left its manufacturer's
control, the product deviated in a material way from the manufacturer's
specifications or performance standards for the product or from otherwise identical

products manufactured by the *176 same manufacturer." it is unreasonably
dangerous in construction or composition.'
ItN2 I. 'ALIO>. 9:2800.55.
**10 Plaintiffs offered the testimony of Mr. Hayes, who stated when watching
Melvin work on the signs prior to the accident, he observed the ladder coast to be
three to four feet. Further, Mr. Kent Langley. a Signko employee, who retrieved
the ladder from the accident site, testified that he tested it and found it to be
working properly. However, he also said that while the normal coast and drift of
the ladder was one to two feet. it could he up to four feet. depending on how far
the ladder was extended. The Plaintiffs elicited testimony from Mr. Sader.
agreeing that four feet of coast would be excessive. even though Sponco has no
standards delineating the amount of coast considered acceptable.
Nonetheless, the detect in construction or composition must have existed at the
time the ladder left Sponco's control. Mr. Kent Johnson stated that he had done all
the maintenance on this particular ladder when Kojis 8,1. Sons owned it. He
serviced and inspected it on a weekly basis. When Signko bought it. he instructed
Kent Langley regarding general maintenance.
Thus, there is no evidence of a defect in construction or composition at the time
Sponco relinquished custody of the ladder.
However. Mr. Killingsworth testified the ladder had the capacity to coast and
drift this far when it left the manufacturer because of its design and that the
arrangement of the gear box allowed it to loosen progressively with each use,
which, in turn, created more and more drift. He presented a couple of ways to
decrease the drift but not the coast. In order to eliminate both coast and drift, he
offered the alternative design of an electric brake. which we have already
determined to be an unacceptable alternative design.

Accordingly, we have found one theory which provides a reasonable basis for
the jury's determination that the ladder had an unreasonably danuerous
characteristic: namely, that the ladder was unreasonably dangerous in design
because it was not insulated.
CD 2011 Thomson Reuters. No Claim to Orig. US Gov. Works.
896 So.2d 164,2004-325 (La.App. 3 Cir. 12/29/04)
We turn to the second prong of the analysis, proximate cause.

Proximate Cause
Mr. Brooks testified that if the bucket were insulated. Melvin would have
suffered only a light shock. even if his body made contact with the power lines.
**11 Accordingly, but for the failure to insulate the bucket, Melvin would not have
been electrocuted.
Intended Use
The last prong of the analysis is that the damages must arise while employing
the product in a reasonably anticipated use. Mr. Johnson testified that these types
of aerial ladders dominate the sign industry. While Mr. Sader maintained that thei r
use was broader, he acknowledged that they were commonly used in the sign
industry. Additionally, there was no evidence that Melvin was op erating the ladder
in an inappropriate manner.
Thus, we have identified a theory which provided the jury with a re asonable
basis for finding liability on Sponco's part.
MELVIN GUIDRY'S FAULT
Mr. Calvin Peco. who had stopped at Lucky's because his car was
overheating, was the only person to see Melvin make contact with the power
lines. Mr. Peco pulled his car into the parking lot to allow it to cool down and
watched Melvin as he worked on the sign. Melvin brought the ladder down and
both went into the store to purchase a drink and made small talk *177 on their
way out. Mr. Peco returned to his vehicle. Melvin returned to working on the
signs. Mr. Peco testified that he looked up just in time to see Melvin contact the
power lines, electrocuting him and throwing him to the ground just behind Mr.
Peco's car.
Mr. Peco stated that the power lines struck Melvin around his ri ght shoulder and
neck area. The expert physicians testified that it was impossible to conclusively
determine Melvin's entry and exit wounds. In other words, they could not
determine which part of his body first made contact with the lines. Thus. we do not
have any evidence as to which way Melvin was looking when he struck the power
lines.
However, Mr. Peco testified that Melvin was not wearing any kind of body
harness or safety belt. Furthermore. the Occupational Safety and Hazards Administra tion (OSHA) mandates
that persons, unless specially licensed to work on power lines, maintain a ten
foot distance from power lines. Both Plaintiffs' and Defendants' experts
confirmed that if Melvin had observed OSIIA's safety rule. **12 the accident
would not have occurred. Melvin also had the responsibility of surveying the site
before beginning the work to determine any potential haz ards and to call Entergy
to shield the lines.
LUCKY LONGHORN'S LIABILITY
The Defendants assert that the jury erred in finding Lucky liable for Melvin's
death. As we explained above. they had the burden of proving that the Plaintiffs
could not have prevailed against Lucky.

1110] In Louisiana. we employ a duty-risk analysis to determine whether a
party is liable for its negligence
given the particular facts of the case.The analysis
consists of four elements: namely, whether the defendant owed the plaintiff a duty of
care; and if so, whether that duty encompassed the particular risk of harm the
plaintiff suffered; whether the defendant breached that duty: and if so, whether the
breach was a cause-in-fact of the plaintiffs injuries.'
FN22. :Vanning r,
0(70 ,Stores,Q9-117()
.a. 12 '10 091 753 So.2d 163.

Cormier v. .I//yar. 94-12.06 0.,1. App. .
I-
Cir. 2-2:001, 758 So.2(1250.

Dilly
1711..sj "Generally. the owner or operator of a facility. has the duty of exercising
reasonable care for the safety of persons on his premises and the duty of not
exposing such
persons to unreasonable risks of injury or harm.'
In
the instant case, Lucky owned the property, including the signs, and its operator, Mr.
Hayes. requested that Melvin do additional work once he arrived on Lucky's
premises. Lucky and Mr. Hayes had a duty of not exposing Melvin to unreasonable
risks of harm.
FN24. itanniqu 753 So.2d at 165.
Breach
[9J The jury could have reasonably found that the placement of the signs in
such close proximity to the power lines constituted a breach of that duty.
However, the Defendant attorneys introduced evidence that Lucky

896 So.2d 164. 2004-325 (La.App. 3 Cir. 12/29/04)
complied with OSHA's regulations. placing the billboards a sufficient distance away
from the power lines. **13 Mr. Frederick Brooks, Defendants' expert in electrical engi neering, as well as in the National Electric Safety Code and OSHA regulations,
testified that OSHA regulations at the time of the accident required a horizontal
distance of 7 1/2 feet *178 from power lines, and Lucky's closest sign provided an 8
1/2 feet clearance. Further, OSHA required a diagonal clearance of 8 foot, and the
diagonal distance of Lucky's closest sign was 9.24 feet.
While Lucky placed the signs themselves a sufficient distance from the power
lines under OSHA, the jury could have found the proximity of the signs to the power
lines created an unreasonable risk of harm. Specifically, OSHA also requires persons
to maintain a ten-foot clearance from overhead power lines. Even though Lucky positioned the signs within acceptable horizontal and diagonal distances under OSHA's
rules. their proximity to the power lines made it impossible to work on one of the
signs without violating OSHA's ten-foot rule. Thus, once Lucky asked Melvin to work
on the signs, it created an unreasonable danger for him, because he could not work
on all of them without violating OSHA's rule.
Scope (#. Duo'
L10] We must now address whether the risk of Melvin's injuries were within the
contemplation of Lucky's duty. "ITThe scope of the duty inquiry is ulti mately a
question of policy as to whether the particular
risk falls within the scope of the duty.-
We must examine how easily we can associate
his injuries with Lucky's conduct. '

FN25. Roberts v. Benoit 605 So.2d 1032. 1044 0.a.199L).
l' N26, Id.

Mr. Brooks admitted that the signs' placement made it impossible for an
individual to work on the west side of one of the signs without violating OSHA's ten foot rule. Moreover, Lucky knew or should have known of the close proximity
because the power lines were already in position when Lucky installed the signs.
Furthermore, because Lucky was aware that these signs would require periodic
maintenance, it should have foreseen the risk created by placing the signs in such
close proximity to the power lines. Accordingly. Lucky's duty encompassed the **14
particular risk that someone performing maintenance work on the signs could come
into contact with the power line.
Causation
And finally, the jury could have found that, but for the sign's proximity to the power
lines, Melvin would have avoided electrocution. Additionally, but for Mr. Hayes'
request that he perform this additional work, after he arrived on the premises to work
on another sign, he would not have been working on this particular pole. And, while
testimony did not prove that Melvin was working on the particular sign that
necessitated an OSHA violation, three signs. including that one, were located on the
same pole, and Mr. Hayes had asked Melvin to work on any or all of the three that
needed attention.
Thus, the jury could have reasonably found that the Defendants failed to meet their
burden of producing evidence sufficient to prove that the Plaintiffs could not have
prevailed against Lucky.
S1CNKO'S FAULT
Because the trial court reallocated all of the fault that the _jury assigned Signko,
we review whether the jury could have reasonably determined that it was at fault.
Determining its fault, also, requires a review of the duty-risk analysis.
Duit.
Louisiana Workers' Compensation Law requires employers to do everything
reasonably necessary to protect the life:_ health, safety, and welfare of its employees.*179This includes providing proper safety devices and safeguards to render the employment safe, considering the normal hazards of
such employment.' "
La.R,S. 21:13.
FN28 hl.
Scope
2.1 "15 Mr. Kojis' own testimony revealed that Signko knew power lines posed a
normal hazard to its employees. He testified that it was a frequent topic of
conversation among them. Thus, Signko's duty to Melvin certainly encompassed the
particular risk of injury by a power line.
Breach
LIA While Mr. Kojis testified that Signko employed
a ten-foot rule for installations of new signs. he never
96 So.2d 164, 2004-325 (La.App. 3 Cir. 12/29/04)

explicitly addressed maintenance of existing signs. Furthermore, he did not

describe the ten-foot requirement as a safety rule; rather, he said Entergy would
require them to relocate the signs if they did not abide by the rule. He did not
even know that OSHA had a ten-foot rule but thought OSHA required only a
seven foot clearance. And despite Signko's duty to provide proper safeguards to
ensure that Melvin's work environment would be safe, it provided him with an
uninsulated ladder, even though insulated ones were available. Thus, the jury
could have
reasonably found that Signko breached its duty to Melvin by' failing to provide
him with an insulated ladder, as well as by its failure to know and, therefore,
stress the importance of safety rules.
Causation
Certainly, Melvin's accident would not have Ilap-pened but for Signko's
failure to provide him with an insulated ladder, as well as Melvin's failure to
place proper significance on adherence to OSHA's safety rules.
CAUSATI ON -SUBSTANTI AL FACT O R TEST
1I4] Cause-in-fact is one of the essential elements of the Plaintiffs' claim.'" It is
usually determined by using a "but for" test. In other words. if the plaintiff would
not have been injured "but for" the defendant's conduct. the cause -in-fact
component is met.' \
EN29. Perkins v. buer ,,v
(La.3/23/0
00-!372
782 So.2d 606.
FN30. BnyAin r. Louisiana Transit Co.. 96-1932 ( ,a.3/4 981,707 So. 1 d 1' 1 5.
[15] In the above analyses, we have reviewed the "but-for" causation of the
cause-in-fact inquiries. However, when there is more than one action that. **16
allegedly, precipitated an accident, our courts have fashioned a method that is
more effective than the "but for" test in establishing cause-in-fact. l " This method
is often referred to as the "substantial factor test."
EN31. Perkins. 782 So.2d 606.

Id.
1_16j We find a reasonable basis for the jury's determinations that Lucky's
actions, Melvin's actions, Signko's actions, and Sponco's failure to incorporate an
insulated bucket into the ladder's design were all substantial factors
in Melvin's accident. Specifically, Lucky placed the signs in a dangerously close

proximity to the power lines: Lucky's operator asked Melvin to work on those
particular signs after he arrived on site: Melvin violated OSHA's ten-foot rule and
failed to use a safety harness or seat belt. or request that Entergy shield the lines
to make them safe: OSHA held Signko responsible for Melvin's*180 OSHA
violation, and Signko provided Melvin with an uninsu-lated ladder to perform his
job, despite the availability of insulated ones: and, finally, Sponco manufactured
an un-insulated ladder even though. as its president admitted. aerial ladders
dominate the sign industry, and are. therefore, likely to be operated at heights
equivalent to power lines.
FAULT ALLOCATION
[1 7][18_09j Allocating fault requires factual determinations. "As with other
factual determinations. the trier of fact is vested with much discretion in its
allocation of fault. Therefore, an appellate court should only disturb the trier of
faces allocation of fault when it is clearly wrong
or manifestly erroneous."In testing the jury's allocation for manifest error, we look to the same factors that guided its determination.
Our supreme court enumerated these factors in Watson v. State Farm Fire and
Casualty Insurance Company:
I N Duncan v. Kansas City S. RI.. Co., 00-66,

pp. 10-11 (1.a.10.30:00), 773 Soy 1/d WO. 680 (citations omitted).
N34.469 So.2d 967,974
L....)_
1985J,.
( I ) whether the conduct resulted from inadvertence or involved an awareness of the

danger,
**17 2) how great a risk was created by the conduct,
(3)
the significance of what was sought by the conduct.
(4)
the capacities of the actor, whether superior or inferior. and
(5)
any extenuating circumstances which might require the actor to proceed in
haste. without proper thought. And, of course, as evidenced by concepts such as

last clear chance, the relationship between the fault/negligent conduct and the
harm to the plaintiff are considerations in determining the relative fault of the
parties.
896 So.2d 164, 2004-325 (La.App. 3 Cir. 12/29/04)

1_20j, The jury assessed the majority of the fault to Melvin and his employer.
Signko. It allocated twenty percent to Lucky and a mere five percent to Sponco. Melvin
was a very experienced sign worker. In fact, Mr. Kojis testified that he was one of the
most experienced at Signko. Melvin had ample experience with this particular ladder. In
his deposition, Mr. Hayes admitted that Melvin mentioned to him that he was going to
have to be careful of those power lines. Thus, Melvin demonstrated an awareness of
the danger. The risk created by violating the 10-foot rule was grave, and, in fact, proved
to be fatal. Mr. Langley testified that Melvin knew of the ten-foot rule and that he also
knew that he had the option of calling Entergy to come shield the lines. In fact. Mr.
13rooks said that OSHA required him to contact Entergy. Additionally, Melvin was in a
superior position to the other parties in his ability to avoid the accident and certainly
only, he. had the last clear chance to avoid electrocution.
Further. OSHA held Signko responsible for Melvin's violation. Moreover. Mr. Brooks
confirmed that "the responsibility for OSHA Regulations or workplace safety regulations
lie
with the employer, the person that is sending people out on the job, and also the
employees, both.-Again, Signko was aware of the danger power lines presented to the
employees, yet it was uncertain of the clearance distance that OSHA required. It also
ascribed its internal ten-foot installation rule to efficiency. more so than safety; Mr. Kojis
stated that Entergy would require them to relocate the signs if they did not abide by the
rule. And Signko provided Melvin *181 with an uninsulated ladder even though insulated
ones were available.
The jury assessed Sponco with only five percent of the fault for Melvin's accident.
Sponco manufactured both insulated and uninsulated ladders since around 1980. Mr.
Sader testified that while the SL-55 ladders were used in the **18 sign industry, their
potential uses were much broader. The jury could have found that Sponco's customer is
in the best position to know its own needs because only the customer knows the
environment and circumstances under which it intends to operate the equipment.
Accordingly, the customer is in the best position to know how often external dangers.
such as power lines, will pose a threat. And, again, in the instant case, Mr. Kojis'
testimony that it was a frequent topic of conversation demonstrates Signko's awareness
that power lines presented a significant risk to its employees, given the type of work
Signko does. Thus, the jury could have found that Signko was in a superior position to
know the type of equipment Melvin needed to do his job safely and, therefore, should
bear the majority of the responsibility for the fact that Melvin's ladder was uninsulated.
Ultimately, Signko had the responsibility to provide Melvin with the proper equipment.
Further, Sponco provided manuals and decals on the ladder which warned that it was
not to be used within ten feet of energized power lines.
And, finally, the jury assessed twenty percent of the fault to Lucky. We find no
manifest error in this determination. Lucky placed the signs in a proximity to the power
lines that required Melvin to violate OSHA's ten-foot rule in order to work on them. Mr.
Hayes asked Melvin to work on these particular signs after he arrived at the site to work
on a different area. Furthermore. Mr. Haves' deposition testimony revealed that Melvin
had brought Mr. Hayes' attention to the fact that the power lines were close to the signs.
Accordingly, we find no manifest error in the jury's fault allocation.
JUDGMENT NOTWITHSTANDING THE VER DICT

[21.11271[2:1..1 When the jury is the factfinder, the standard for overturning its verdict
is a rigorous one. A Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict (JNOV) is warranted, only,
when the facts and inferences point so strongly and overwhelmingly in favor of one party
that the trial court believes that reasonable persons could not arrive at a contrary verdict.
The trial court may not grant a JNOV if there is contradictory evidence which is of such
quality and weight that reasonable and fair-minded persons in the exercise of impartial
judgment might reach different conclusions. The trial court should not evaluate witnesses'
credibility in deciding whether to **19 grant a JNOV. and it must resolve all inferences or
factual questions in lavor of the non-moving party.'
FN35
I aSalleWirt-I/art Stows, /ih 0 I -46 /
(IA.11.28'01)x 801 So.2d 33

[2_d_112.5j We review the trial court's grant ofJNOV by using the same criterion
that governs its decision. If reasonable persons might have reached the same verdict as
the jury, we should reinstate its verdict.'
FN36
Id.
896 So.2d 164, 2004-325 (La.App. 3 Cir. 12/29/04)

Because we have already determined that the record reasonably supports the
jury's determination, we vacate the trial court's JNOV and reinstate the jury's
verdict.
*182 ADMISSIBILITY OF EXPERT TESTIMONY
Louisiana Code or kk idencc Art 70:! provides:
If scientific, technical, or other specialized knowledge will assist the trier of
fact to understand the evidence or to determine a fact in issue, a witness
qualified as an expert by knowledge. skill, experience, training. or education.
may testify thereto in the form of an opinion or otherwise.
In Dauhert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc

the United States Supreme Court held that trial courts must act as gatekeepers
by determining that expert testimony is not only relevant but, also, reliable
before admitting it. Louisiana adopted this holding in State v. Forel.
Dauhert suggested several factors to aid the court in determining whether
expert testimony is reliable, including whether the expert's theory is testable, has
been peer reviewed or a subject of publication, its known or potential rate of error,
and its degree of acceptance within the scientific community.' , \
FN37
509 U.S. 579. 113 S.Ct. 2786. 125 L.Ed.2d 469 1l 993).
FN38
628 So.2d 1116 (.1..a.1993).
1:1139. Daubert, 509 U.S. 579, 113 S.Ct. 2786

Stephen Killingsworth
1 . 2 . 6] **20 The Defendants objected to the admission of Mr. Killingsworth's
testimony regarding his alternative design to include an electric brake on the
ladder. They argued that this testimony did not meet the Datthert/Foret tests.
However, both Foret, as well as the United States Supreme Court's opinion in
Kumho Tire Co. v. Carmichael,' reinforced that a court may use the suggested factors if it will aid in the
reliability determination, but the reliability test is a flexible one. We find no abuse
of discretion in the trial court's decision to admit this testimony.
11140. 526 U.S. 137, 119 S.C.1. 1167, 143 2_38 (1999J.
Mr. Killingsworth provided instructive and informa tive testimony to help the
jury understand the aerial lad
der's components and mechanical functions. His proposed design had already
been incorporated into similar devices: namely, cranes. He explained that
because of the similarity in the components and mechanics of the two devices.
the brake's incorporation into cranes demonstrated the feasibility of its
incorporation into aerial ladders. Even the Defendant's expert admitted that
adding a brake was a feasible design. Ultimately, the Defendants proved that
the primary purpose of each device, one to carry humans and the other to carry
cargo. was a critical factor that caused the adverse effects of such a design in
the aerial ladder to outweigh its utility. However, this factual in quiry was
properly submitted to the jury. The trial court did not abuse its discretion by
admitting Mr. Kill-ingsworth's testimony.
James Sohek
L771 The trial court qualified Plaintiffs' witness, Mr. James Sobek, as an
expert physicist and professional engineer with a specialty in human vision. Mr.
Sobek explained that a person viewing horizontal power lines against a clear sky
cannot accurately perceive his distance from them because of a principle called
stereopsis. lie offered an article that had been published on the subject.
"Problems and Perception of Overhead Power Lines. - showing that the theory had
been tested and discussed the known potential rate of errors. Thus, the trial
court did not abuse its discretion in finding Mr. Sobek's testimony reli able.
*183 Defendants further argue that Mr. Sobek's testimony is irrelevant because
it assumes that Melvin was looking toward the power lines just before he struck
them. and they point out that no witness testified that he was actually looking in
**21 this direction. Nonetheless, the expert testimony shed light on a factual issue
and was properly presented to the jury.
Accordingly, we find no merit to Defendants' arguments. The trial court did
not abuse its discretion in admitting Mr. Sobek's testimony.
EXPERT WITNESS FEES
P812911 : 301 The trial court has broad discretion to
award and assess costs, and we will not disturb its ruling
absent an abuse of discretion.H The degree to which
the expert's opinion aided the court in its decision is one of the factors to consider
when assessing costs of an expert witness' fee.'"' The Defendants urge that they .
should not have to pay Killingsworth's and Sobek's fees because their testimony
should have been inadmissible.

896 So.2d 164, 2004-325 (La.App. 3 Cir. 12/29/04)
As we have already determined that the trial court properly admitted their testimony. we
find no error in its assessing their respective fees to the Defendants.
U1N41, Id.
FN42
Trans Louisiana Gas Co. v. Heard, 629 So.2d 50011a. App. 3 Cir.-199;D.
MEDICAL AND FUNERAL EXPENSES

The Defendants argue that the trial court erroneously awarded the Plaintiffs
$25,250.00, which Signko's workers' compensation carrier had already paid.
Specifically. it paid $16,250.00 in medical expenses and $9,000.00 in funeral expenses.
[3 I] However, the collateral source rule does not allow the two Defendants to benefit
from the workers' compensation carrier's payments. If a plaintiff receives benefits from a
source independent of the tortfeasor, the benefits inure to the plaintiff, not to the tortfeasor.'In other
words, if the independent source, here, the workers' compensation carrier, does not
intervene to recoup the benefits it already paid, the plaintiff may recover the amount of
the benefits from the tortfeasor.
FN43
To1: Premier' Ins. Co. o j Alassaelni-
setts, 98-1934 (La.App. 3 Cir. 6.30:991 742 5Pac1.

[32] The Defendants argue that the collateral source rule does not apply in the
instant case because they are not the tortfeasors in the underlying suit. Nonetheless.
Lucky and Sponco, the two liable parties in the underlying suit, could **22 not have
benefitted from the workers' compensation carrier's payments. Accordingly, the Defendants cannot claim the benefit either.
The Defendants argue that Gagnard v. Baldridge''`t stands for the proposition that the
plaintiffs may not get a double recovery in cases such as the instant one. However.
Gagnard is inapplicable. In that case, the plaintiff brought actions against the employer,
both, in workers' compensation and in tort. The court stated that "[a] wrongdoer should
not be required to pay twice for the same elements of damages." ' In the instant case,
neither the Defendant attorney wrongdoers nor Lucky or Sponco, the wrongdoers in the
underlying action, is being required to pay twice for the same element of damages.
Rather, the collateral source rule is applicable. *184 Thus,
we find no error in the trial court's ruling.

FN 44. 612 Sod 732 (1..a.1993).
ist..gt....7.3b (emphasis added).
RANDI GUIDRY
The Defendants appeal the trial court's finding that
Randi Guidry is a proper party to recover wrongful death
and survival damages. Louisiana Lode ;Article 2-, delineates the classes of persons
who may recover for these damages. The first is "[title surviving spouse and child or
children of the deceased, or either the spouse or
the child or children." Before trial, the parties stipulated that Randi was Melvin's daughter.
The Defendants apparently made this stipulation based on Julie's deposition testimony.
However, at trial, testimony revealed that she was not Melvin's biological daughter,
notwithstanding his signature on her birth certificate as well as his execution of an Act of
Acknowledgment of Paternity. The Defendants argue that because no formal adoption
took place, Randi cannot recover as Melvin's daughter.
I N40. La.(:iv.Code art. 2315.1; I .a.t.'iv.(2 ode art '3 I S.Z.
The trial court found that Randi could recover:
The Rousseve court explained that the acknowledgment---when the acknowledged fact
is ultimately untrue, the acknowledgment---and the Court is impressed with the word "may
be null" absent some overriding concern of public policy, indicating to this Court that **23
it is not necessarily an absolute nullity but must he reviewed under the circumstances
surrounding the specific case that is before it.
In tehrr. R,A.Tiwn 467, t' S. 24.N. .103
t.
77 ..1-;(1.2d 614 the U.S. Supreme Court observed that intangible fibers that connect
parent and child have infinite variety, and are woven throughout the fabric of our society
providing it with strength, beauty. and flexibility. The rights of parents have long been
recognized as a counterpart of the responsibilities they have assumed. Justice Stewart
noted in his ascending [sic] opinion in Cohan v. Vohuniniej. 441 U.S. 380. 00 S.(21, 1760,
60 1.1.-:(1.2d 207 that parental rights do not spring full blown from biological connection
between parent
FN48. M. at 419.
QUANTUM OF DAMAGES
**24 Loss of Support
[34j The jury awarded the Plaintiffs $350.000.00 for Melvin's past wages and
loss of earning capacity. Both Plaintiffs and Defendants presented expert
testimony regarding this element of damages. Plaintiffs' expert included fringe
benefits, as well as a significant salary increase, which he based on Mr. Kojis'
testimony that had Melvin stayed with Signko. he would have received these
benefits. Defendants' expert used Melvin's past income tax returns and did not
include the added benefits because Melvin was not receiving them at the time of
his death.
He found it to be unlikely that Melvin would have worked at Signko until

retirement, given that Melvin had worked for other sign companies in the past and
the high turnover rate in the business, generally.
(.351136,1 The jury did not award the exact figure that either expert
calculated. Nevertheless, it is permitted to "substitute common s ense and
judgment for that of an expert witness when such a substitution appears war ranted on the record as a whole.""Credibility determinations are for the trier of fact, even as to the evaluation of expert witness testimony.
A fact-finder may accept or reject the opinion expressed by an expert, in whole or
in part."'Thus, we find no error in the jury's determination.

1/N49. Green
( 03-2-195, p.
(J.a.5 25 04). 874 So.2d 838, 84.3.

1N50. ht at 843.
Pre-Death Pain and .Su//'ring,
[3713 . 8_1 The jury found the Plaintiffs were entitled to $10,000.00 for Melvin's
pre-death pain and suffering. It has vast discretion in assessing damages. We
may find that it abused this discretion, only, if its award is so low in proportion to
the injury that it shocks our conscience.' Indeed, we so find in the instant case.
Mr. Hayes, who came out of the store immediately after the accident. testi fied:
1. N51. Young../- ilzmuriek 03-1038 fl .a.App.
Cir. 2 4:041.,..865 So.2d 960.
A. When I come out I seen him laying on the ground. There was a couple of
people around him. I seen smoke coming off his shirt, and I run over to see if I
could help in any way. There was another fellow there trying to do a little CPR on
him. He was making a lot of moaning sounds, and they asked me to help hold him
down and not let him move. At that time they weren't sure, you know, 1 **25
wasn't sure what had happened. The basket was still up in the air. So, I
assumed he had had a pretty good fall and that is the reason they wanted me to
hold him down, you know. So. two of us held him there waiting for the ambulance
to get there.
Q. You had to actually physically hold him down? A. Yes, sir.
896 So.2d 164. 2004-325 (La.App. 3 Cir. 12/29/04)

Q. Did you take off his shirt?

A. No, not just myself. A few people that were there just-it was smoldering, so we
wanted it off of him.
Q. And when you took off his shirt you actually burned your hands?
A. Yes, sir.
Accordingly. we vacate the trial court's JNOV, reinstate the jury's verdict, amend
its judgment to increase the quantum of damages for pain and suffering and
render. We, also, reverse the trial court's $70,000.00 award to Randi Guidry. We
cast all costs of this appeal on the Defendants.
AFFIRMED IN PART AS AMENDED, REVERSED IN PART, AND RENDERED.
*186 Q. And you said he was making noises. It appeared that he was in pain?
A. Yes, sir.
Dr. Ledet testified that by the time Melvin reached the emergency room, he
had lost consciousness. While we do not know the duration of Melvin's
consciousness, the above testimony reveals that he did have awareness im mediately following the accident.
The Plaintiffs cite Strawder v. Zapata Haynie
Corp. in which the decedents drowned twenty to thirty minutes after an
explosion which caused severe burning and blistering. This court upheld an
award of $500.000.00 for pre-death pain and suffering. Additionally. in Cox r.
Moore, this court upheld a $150,000.00 award for pre-death pain and suffering
where the decedent died only a few minutes or almost instantaneously after a car
accident. While we found the award to be on the high end of the spectrum, it was
not an abuse of discretion.
1'N52, 94-453 (1,a.App . . 3 Cir. 1E2'94). 649 So.2d 554.
Accordingly, we find $75,000.00 to be the lowest reasonable amount for

Melvin's pre-death pain and suffering. Therefore, we increase the jury's
assessment to that amount.
Mental Anguiskfrom Malpractice
L39 **26 The jury awarded $30,000.00 for mental anguish arising from the
Defendants' malpractice. Again, the jury has vast discretion in assessing
damages. We do not find that $30,000.00 is abusively low. Thus. we affirm this
quantum.
CONCLUSION
WOODARD, J.. concurring, in part.
Given the uncertainty of how our supreme court would view the unusual
circumstances in the instant case under the light of its Turner v. Bushy ` I opinion,
I am constrained to vote with the majority regarding Randi Guidry's legal status in
her family. Namely, Turner addressed the rights of acknowledged illegitimate
children, who are not biological children but did not, specifically, address how
legitimated children in the same circumstances are to be treated. In fact, it
intimated that perhaps its conclusion, that acknowledged illegitimate children
could not recover wrongful death and survival damages under La.R.S. 2315.1 and
2315.2, would be different for legitimated children, as in Randi's situation.
EN I 03-34-W (1, a.9./9:2004 ), 883 So.2d -412.
Louisiana law classifies children as either legitimate. illegitimate, or
legitimated.' - Louisiana Civil Code provides methods for, both, formally
acknowledging illegitimate children and for legitimating illegitimate children.
Formal acknowledgment and legitimation are separate and distinct acts with
different effects and benefits flowing from each. Most importantly, legitimated
children enjoy an added layer of protection from those who wish to attack the
parent/child relationship. Specifically, the Civil Code explicitly permits. only. the
father or if *187 he is deceased, his heirs or legatees to seek to disavow a le-
gitimate child's paternity.Conversely, La.Civ.Code art.

207 provides that lelvery claim, set up by illegitimate children. may be contested by
those who have amv interest therein." (Emphasis added).
1:N2. Id.
EN3. La.Civ.Code art. 187; La.Civ.t.'ode art, 190.
In Turner, La.Civ.Code art. 207 permitted the defendants to attack
McWright's claim because he was a for-
896 So.2d 164, 2004-325 (La.App. 3 Cir. 12/29/04)

(Cite as: 896 So.2d 164. 2004-325 (La.App. 3 Cir. 12/29/04))
mally acknowledged. illegitimate child. When he sought to prove that he was a
proper party to recover wrongful death damages because the deceased had
executed multiple acknowledgments of paternity for child support purposes, the
defendants contested the existence of a biological relationship and argued that the
acknowledgments were insufficient to elevate his status to a "child" for wrongful
death purposes. Ultimately, DNA tests proved that no biological relationship, in
fact, existed, and the supreme court deemed the formal acknowledgment to be a
nullity because of this.
Before Turner, our jurisprudence, governing formal acknowledgments, held that
"[w]hen the acknowledged fact is ultimately untrue, the acknowledgment may be
null, absent some overriding concern of public polk:v. -F\4 This permitted courts
some discretion. However, essentially, the supreme court's decision in Turner
deletes the italicized language of prior jurisprudence, finding that "an Article 203
formal acknowledgment absent a biological relationship is a nullity."
(Emphasis added.)
FN4, /.?( TyAcyc v. ./rnicv. 97- I I 49. p (La.12;2:97.), 704 So.2d 229. 233.
ENS. Turner. 883 So.2d 412.
Notwithstanding, the court highlighted the distinction between a formally
acknowledged illegitimate child and a legitimated child. It concluded that the

acknowledgment of paternity, at issue, lacked a declaration of intent to legitimate
McWright, and In' Wilma this declaration. the execution of the ... stipulation did not
legitimize McWright. Because McWright was not a legitimate child at the time this
wrongful death and survival action commenced, but rather a formally
acknowledged illegaimated child under Article 203, his claim as an illegitimate
child may be subject to scrutiny provided the defendants have
probed all other requirements of Article 207."
(Emphasis added.)
FN6. Id. at 418.

This statement contemplates the possibility that. despite the absence of a
biological relationship between him and the child, the deceased could have
legitimated McWright, thereby, permitting his recovery of wrongful death benefits, if
the deceased had declared his intention to do so.
Indeed. if the supreme court intended this distinction. it appears to contradict

other portions of its Turner opinion which emphasize that a biological relationship is
necessary for recovery. In support of its decision, the supreme court stressed that it
is the biological relationship, rather than the legal status, which is determinative of
whether a person is entitled to recover these damages. It specifically stated, "it is
imperative that we uphold the critical requirement that the tort victim and the child
have a biological relationship." Consequently, the opinion gives us conflicting
guidance in resolving Randi's right to recover, particularly, when meshed with
legislative dictates.
For example. the Turner opinion's prohibition on a child's recovery, based on no
biological relationship, is inconsistent with our Civil Code which does not create
classifications*188 of biological versus non-biological children but rather, only,
legitimate versus illegitimate children. The Code clearly contemplates the possibility .
that a child could prove legitimate filiation and receive the attendant benefits of this
classification without having a biological relationship.
1.oti-,;iatla Civil Code art',. 193 through .107 provide that a party can prove
legitimation through, inter cilia, "a transcript from the register of birth or baptism" or by
reputation. Article 195 states. in pertinent part:
The being considered in this capacity is proved by a sufficient collection of facts
demonstrating the connection of filiation and paternity which exists between an
individual and the family to which he belongs.
The most material of these facts are:
That such individual has always been called by the surname of the father from
whom he pretends to be born
(Emphasis added.) This language implicitly recognizes that legitimated children
are not necessarily biological children. Moreover, none of the methods of legitimating a child require proof of a biological relationship.
The method Melvin chose to legitimate Randi is that provided in I .a.Civ.Code art.
19S:
Illegitimate children are legitimated by the subsequent marriage of their father and
mother, whenever theC_D' 2011 Thomson Reuters. No Claim to Orig. US Gov.
Works.
896 So.2d 164, 2004-325 (La.App. 3 Cir. 12/29/04)
latter have formally or informally acknowledged them
as their children, either before or after the marriage.
Melvin had elevated Randi's status to that of a "legitimated child" under all of the relevant
codal provisions. By the time of the wrongful death suit, not only had he formally
acknowledged her as his daughter through an Act of Acknowledgment of Paternity but,
also, he had signed her birth certificate as her father and, subsequently. married her
mother. Furthermore, she was his daughter by reputation. All of these affirmative acts.
evidencing his intent, should provide her with an added layer of protection against
attacks from third-party defendants, regarding her familial status.
Nevertheless, the dilemma for Randi is two-fold: She is not Melvin's biological child and
the method Melvin chose to legitimate her is premised, in part, on an acknowledgment

which, alone, the supreme court considers null absent a biological relationship. The
unanswered question is whether this nullity can be cured and. if so. whether Melvin
cured it by taking the next step of legitimating Randi.
Furthermore, there is an issue of whether the third-party Defendants, even, have
standing to contest Randi's claim, given l.a.Civ.Cotle art,;. 187 and 190. Essentially,
these articles imbue, only, the "father" or his heirs with standing to strip a "child" of his
or her legitimate status, which, in essence, is the foundation of these third-party
defendants' claims in the instant case.
Given the apparent legislative intent, as well as
Melvin's, it certainly does not seem appropriate or prudent
for TUI'llerti umbrella to be held over Randi's head, denying her benefits for the loss of the man she knew to be and
treated as her father.
La.App. 3 Cir.,2004.
Guidry v. Coregis Ins. Co.
896 So.2d 164, 2004-325 (La.App. 3 Cir. 12/29/04'1
END OF DOCUMENT
further other than to say that he will be able to testify as an accident reconstruction expert with
regard to safety analysis. He will be able to testify as to electrical injuries as it applies to safety
analysis. He will be able to testify as to aerial
ladders as to safety analysis for which The Court is satisfied as to his training and expertise in
those matters. But rather than qualify him in each of the categories as tendered from the
plaintiff, it feels that the area that may be include d as part of that testimony will be within the
areas that The Court has delineated.
I want to make certain that I have indicated that he will be able to testify at this point so
that we do not have objections throughout his testimony by the defendants, and if the
defendants objections to anything above and beyond the safety engineer, for which The Court
has previously accepted, objections are noted.
M R. M ARCEAUX:
Thank you, Your Honor.
(Break in proceedings)
(Jury returns to courtroom)
THE COURT:
All right, Ladies and Gentlemen, at this time we are ready to proceed. Al this time The Court
would accept and recognize Mr. Lewis Barbe as an expert in the field of safety engineering, and
also as an expert in
would be accepted as an expert in the field of accident reconstruction until such time as
that information was to be submitted.
Now, he's before The court and offered in various positions as an expert for which the
defendants have indicated their objections. The Court has previously reviewed and for the
reasons stated, and if I am incorrect on the date, it was the --- I'm not sure. I think it was
October the 10th, but it was the hearing that was had at that time, The Court gave the rationale
the basis for Daubert, the
application of State v. Foret of Daubert to the State of Louisiana and the basis for expert
evaluation. The Court also relied upon the case of Mistich vs. Volkswagon of Germany, Inc.
86 So. 2d 1073, indicating that experience alone can be sufficient to qualify as an expert.
At this time, based on t he information received and what we may be doing in part and
parcel is arguing semantics of which The Court feels that the use of the word "design" may
be inappropriate since Mr. Barbe insists on the word "analysis." The Court is going to
continue to accept him in the field as an expert in safety engineering. The Court is also
satisfied that he is an expert in safety analysis based on his past history,
education, training, as well as experience. As a result of being an expert in safety analysis,
The Court is not going to go any
previous cases in safety engineering of cranes. That is what he's here to testify for. He has been
accepted before. He also stated, and I think Mr. Roy is
mischaracterizing his testimony. He stated that he is not aware of a course i n college that you can
take on accident reconstruction.
However, as a safety engineer he has taken numerous courses in accident reconstruction and he
has been accepted in court before as a safety engineer and given opinions on accident
reconstruction. So, that is what we're talking about, and that is what we're
tendering him as.
THE COURT:
All right. 1 am not familiar with the specifics of the depositions that were taken,
but The Court does recall approximately October the 10th there was a specific hearing in which
Mr. Barbe was brought in and Daubert challenges were made at that time. The Court, upon
hearing the qualifications and the traversal, did accept Mr. Barbe as an expert in the field of
safety engineering. Following Mr. Barbe's release from the witness stand it became apparent
that he was going to be tendered, or at least pursuant to argument by the plaintiffs, as an
expert in the field of accident reconstruction. The Court indicated at that time it felt that it had
insufficient information in fact did
defer making any decision as to whether he

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896 So.2d 164. 2004-325 (La.App. 3 Cir.

Woodard. J.. concurred in part and assigned reasons.

896 So.2d 164,2004-325 (La.App. 3 Cir. 12/29/04)

employed in a reasonably anticipated use, and whether lack of fiberglass insulation

Negligence 272 = ) 1032

k. Reasonably Safe or Unreasonably

Dangerous Conditions. Most Cited Cases

L1 Attorney and Client 45 ----'129(3)

27211 Necessity and Existence of Duty

The scope of the duty inquiry on a negligence claim is ultimately a question of

96 So.2d 164. 2004-325 (La.App. 3 Cir. 12/29/04)

Negligence 272 379

27;1420 Concurrent Causes

30XVI(1) Questions of Fact. Verdicts, and Findings

1191 Appeal and Error 30 =.999(3)

there is contradictory evidence

896 So.2d 164. 2004-325 (La.App. 3 Cir. 12,29/04)

28k199(3.2) k. Evidence and Inferences

That May Be Considered or Drawn. Most Cited Cacs

1241 Appeal and Error 30 =1463

157055,7 k. Due Care and Proper Conduct.

i) Subjects of Expert Testimony

157k519 k. Nature, Condition, and Relation of

(Cite as: 896 So.2d 164, 2004-325 (La.App. 3 Cir. 12/29/04))

157X11 Opinion Evidence

102k187 k. Experts. Most Cited Cases

reconstruction expert and by i engineer with a specialty in human vision,

I 15111 Grounds and Subjects of Compensatory Damages

96 So.2d 164, 2004-325 (La.App. 3 Cir. 12/29/04)

45 Attorney and Client

117111 Actions for Causing Death

j.57)070 k. In General. Most Cited Caves

Damages 115 =7119

Mental Suffering and Emotional Dis-

Defendant/Appellant, Coregis Ins. Co.

- because the malpractice foreclosed their opportunity to

422 So.2d 1109 (I.a.1982).

own comparative negligence.'Additionally, because the

l'No. See La.R.S. 23:1W2.

The trial court granted Plaintiffs a Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict

ELEMENTS OF LEGAL MALPRACTICE CLAIM Lin A legal malpractice plaintiff

FN8../enkiffs. 422 So.2d 1109.

use.' \ The LPLA enumerates limited means of demonstrating an unreasonably

(Cite as: 896 So.2d 164, 2004-325 (La.App. 3 Cir. 12/29/04))

C.) 2011 Thomson Reuters. No Claim to Orig. US Gov. Works.

control, the product deviated in a material way from the manufacturer's

specifications or performance standards for the product or from otherwise identical

determined to be an unacceptable alternative design.

We turn to the second prong of the analysis, proximate cause.

could not have prevailed against Lucky.

.a. 12 '10 091 753 So.2d 163.

Cir. 2-2:001, 758 So.2(1250.

However, the Defendant attorneys introduced evidence that Lucky

We must examine how easily we can associate

his injuries with Lucky's conduct. '

l' N26, Id.

96 So.2d 164, 2004-325 (La.App. 3 Cir. 12/29/04)

explicitly addressed maintenance of existing signs. Furthermore, he did not

782 So.2d 606.

EN31. Perkins. 782 So.2d 606.

in Melvin's accident. Specifically, Lucky placed the signs in a dangerously close

I N Duncan v. Kansas City S. RI.. Co., 00-66,

( I ) whether the conduct resulted from inadvertence or involved an awareness of the

the significance of what was sought by the conduct.