APPELLATE COURT OPINIONS

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Originating Judge:Dale C. Workman
Knox County Court of Appeals 03/28/01
2000-02223-COA-R3-CV

2000-02223-COA-R3-CV

Originating Judge:Dale C. Workman
Knox County Court of Appeals 03/28/01
E2000-01331-C0A-R3-CV

E2000-01331-C0A-R3-CV

Originating Judge:Sharon J. Bell
Knox County Court of Appeals 03/28/01
James Crawford vs. Ray Thomason, et al

M1998-00926-COA-R3-CV
This appeal stems from a hostile work environment claim involving the Department of Streets and Signs of the City of Murfreesboro. After enduring approximately three years of racial harassment by his immediate supervisors, an employee of the Department of Streets and Signs filed suit in the Chancery Court for Rutherford County against the City of Murfreesboro, the city manager, and his two supervisors seeking damages and injunctive relief under the Tennessee Human Rights Act. The City moved for summary judgment, pointing out that the offending supervisors had been terminated less than one month after the employee brought their conduct to the attention of the public works director. The trial court granted the summary judgment and dismissed the complaint. The employee has appealed. After reviewing the record in light of the principles announced in Parker v. Warren County Util. Dist., 2 S.W.3d 170 (Tenn. 1999), we have determined that the City is entitled to a judgment as a matter of law. Accordingly, we affirm the summary judgment.
Authoring Judge: Judge William C. Koch, Jr.
Originating Judge:Robert E. Corlew, III
Rutherford County Court of Appeals 03/28/01
Keith Pfister vs. Tammy Searle (Moretti)

M2000-01921-COA-R3-JV
The appellant appeals from the trial court's judgment finding her in criminal and civil contempt for violation of an order establishing visitation for the father of her child. Because the appellant was not provided the notice required for criminal contempt, we vacate that holding; because the appellant complied with the court's order to produce her child, thereby purging her civil contempt, that judgment is now moot, and we decline to address it.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Patricia J. Cottrell
Originating Judge:Lonnie R. Hoover
Williamson County Court of Appeals 03/28/01
Lisa Venable vs. Boyd Venable

E2000-01543-COA-R3-CV
This divorce action was filed November 12, 1998. All issues involving money were contested: marital assets, debts, child support, attorney fees, costs.
Authoring Judge: Sr. Judge William H. Inman
Originating Judge:Richard E. Ladd
Sevier County Court of Appeals 03/28/01
Estate of Velma Russell vs. Knox County

E2000-02692-COA-R3-CV
The Estate of Velma Monroe Russell, which was substituted as a party Plaintiff after the death of Mrs. Russell after the suit was filed but prior to trial, sues Knox County for injuries to her as a result of an automobile accident at a four-way-stop intersection. The Trial Court found the County was guilty of no negligence proximately causing the accident and the injuries to Mrs. Russell. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge Houston M. Goddard
Originating Judge:Harold Wimberly
Knox County Court of Appeals 03/28/01
State, ex rel, Purlie Page, vs Ricardo Trabal

E2000-02738-COA-R3-CV
This action to establish paternity was dismissed by the Trial Court on the grounds of estoppel and laches. We reinstate the action and remand.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Herschel P. Franks
Originating Judge:Bill Swann
Knox County Court of Appeals 03/28/01
Michael Dawn Frisbey v. Dorothy Marie Frisbey

M1999-00717-COA-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Judge William B. Cain
Originating Judge:Robert E. Corlew, III
Rutherford County Court of Appeals 03/28/01
Doris Tipton vs. Elizabeth Quinn

M1998-00951-COA-R3-CV
This is a breach of contract case involving agreements for Defendant to board and breed Plaintiff's horses for a share of the resulting foals. Shortly after the parties entered into an oral agreement, Defendant memorialized the agreement in a handwritten note. The agreement was subsequently reduced to more detailed writings by Plaintiff, which both parties signed. Plaintiff later claimed that Defendant breached portions of the agreement which required her to timely breed the mares, provide insurance, adequately care for and maintain the horses, provide adequate veterinary care for the horses, allow inspection of the horses, and halter-break foals. Defendant claimed that the agreement prepared by Plaintiff did not reflect the parties' original oral contract. The trial court granted Plaintiff partial summary judgment on the portion of her breach of contract claim alleging that Defendant failed to obtain insurance. After a bench trial, the court awarded Plaintiff compensatory damages for breach of contract as well as attorney's fees. Defendant appeals those decisions. We affirm as modified.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Patricia J. Cottrell
Originating Judge:Tom E. Gray
Sumner County Court of Appeals 03/28/01
Karen Stempa, et al vs. Walgreen Co., et al

E2000-02223-COA-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Judge David Michael Swiney
Originating Judge:Dale C. Workman
Knox County Court of Appeals 03/28/01
Craig Tatman vsl. Fort Sanders Medical Center

E2000-02163-COA-R3-CV
Craig Tatman ("Plaintiff"), a devout Jehovah's Witness, underwent heart surgery at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center ("Defendant"). Prior to the surgery, the attending physician and Defendant were specifically informed that Plaintiff was not to receive any blood or blood products. While Plaintiff was recovering from the surgery, he experienced a dramatic decrease in blood pressure. The attending critical care nurse forgot that Plaintiff was a Jehovah's Witness and administered Protenate, a protein fraction derived from human plasma. This was contrary to Plaintiff's religious tenets. At trial, Defendant admitted that a medical battery had taken place. The only issue presented to the jury was compensatory damages resulting from the medical battery. No jury instruction was requested or given regarding nominal damages. The jury awarded no compensatory damages. Plaintiff filed a motion requesting an additur or a new trial. Plaintiff's motion was denied, and Plaintiff appeals. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge David Michael Swiney
Originating Judge:Wheeler A. Rosenbalm
Knox County Court of Appeals 03/27/01
Deborah Davis vs. Jerry Davis

E1999-02737-COA-R3-CV
This appeal from the Hamilton County Circuit Court questions whether the Trial Court erred in failing to approve Ms. Davis's Statement of the Evidence, in retroactively modifying child support, in determining the amount of Mr. Davis's mortgage obligation to Ms. Davis, and in determining the amount of attorney's fees Mr. Davis was ordered to pay Ms. Davis. We affirm the judgment of the Trial Court as modified and remand with directions.
Authoring Judge: Judge Houston M. Goddard
Originating Judge:Samuel H. Payne
Hamilton County Court of Appeals 03/27/01
Kristin Huntley vs. William Huntley

E2000-01718-COA-R3-CV
In this child support modification action, the Trial Court held that a significant variance existed between William Sidney Huntley's ("Defendant") child support obligation set by the parties' Marital Dissolution Agreement ("MDA") and the amount mandated by the Child Support Guidelines ("Guidelines"). The Trial Court ordered an increase in child support consistent with the Guidelines. Because the Guidelines' flat percentage amount of child support totaled approximately $6,600 per month, the Trial Court ordered it be divided between child support payments of $3,100 and payments to a non-educational trust ("Trust") in the amount of $3,500. Defendant appeals and primarily contends that his child support obligation should not be increased to the Guidelines' flat percentage amount because that amount exceeds a reasonable amount of child support and because the MDA controls his child support obligation despite any increases in his income. Kristin B. Huntley ("Plaintiff") also raises issues on appeal, primarily regarding the Trust. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge David Michael Swiney
Originating Judge:W. Neil Thomas, III
Hamilton County Court of Appeals 03/27/01
Leon William G.C. vs. D.F. Shoffner Inc.

E2000-01877-COA-R3-CV
This is a suit by a general contractor against a sub-contractor for breach of contract and negligence in installing heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment. The Trial Court granted summary judgment in favor of the sub-contractor, resulting in this appeal. We find in light of the Supreme Court case of Harris v. Chern, which was delivered after the Trial Court ruled on the motion to alter or amend, that the order overruling the motion should be vacated and the Trial Court should reconsider it in light of Harris. We accordingly vacate the order overruling the motion to alter or amend, and remand.
Authoring Judge: Judge Houston M. Goddard
Originating Judge:W. Dale Young
Blount County Court of Appeals 03/27/01
2000-02174-COA-R3-CV

2000-02174-COA-R3-CV

Originating Judge:Thomas J. Seeley, Jr.
Washington County Court of Appeals 03/26/01
Roy Schrimsher vs. Sherry Schrimsher

E2000-02169-COA-R3-CV
This is a post divorce custody dispute. Mother seeks custody of the two minor children because she believes the children are dependent and neglected. Father seeks an increase in child support for the children. Mother requested the Trial Judge to hear the testimony of the children who were 12 and 11 at the time. The children were the witnesses to the acts complained of in the petition to change custody. Mother could only present hearsay evidence from the children. The Trial Judge refused to hear the testimony of the children and continued custody with Father and increased Mother's child support. Mother then filed this appeal. We vacate the decision of the trial court and remand for the purpose hereinafter set out.
Authoring Judge: Judge Houston M. Goddard
Originating Judge:John B. Hagler, Jr.
Monroe County Court of Appeals 03/26/01
Margaret Akins vs. Pauline Clark, et al

E2000-02337-COA-R3-CV
Margaret Akins ("Plaintiff") stood to inherit a farm and stock from her close friend, Josephine A. Notgrass ("Notgrass"), through specific bequests ("Bequests") in Notgrass' will. After Notgrass' will ("Will") was executed, Notgrass and Plaintiff formed a limited partnership ("Limited Partnership") in an effort to save estate taxes. Notgrass held a substantially higher interest in the Limited Partnership than Plaintiff and was the sole general partner. Notgrass transferred to the Limited Partnership the farm and stock which were the subject of the Bequests. After Notgrass' death, Plaintiff, who also is the personal representative of Notgrass' estate, filed a declaratory judgment action, seeking an order from the Trial Court regarding how to distribute the assets of the Limited Partnership. The Trial Court held that the transfer of the farm and stock to the Limited Partnership did not materially change or alter those assets, and, therefore, the transfer did not result in an ademption by extinction of the Bequests. As a result, the Trial Court held that Plaintiff was entitled to inherit the farm and stock pursuant to the Bequests. Fourteen of the twenty one named residuary beneficiaries ("Defendants") appeal. We reverse.
Authoring Judge: Judge David Michael Swiney
Originating Judge:Lawrence H. Puckett
Monroe County Court of Appeals 03/26/01
Brenda Tipton vs. Richard Jones, et al

E2000-01860-COA-R3-CV
Brenda L. Tipton ("Plaintiff") filed this lawsuit seeking damages for personal injury. Allstate Insurance Company ("Allstate"), Plaintiff's uninsured motorist carrier, filed a motion in limine seeking to exclude portions of the testimony of Plaintiff's treating physician because it was not based upon a reasonable degree of medical certainty. Allstate also claimed that the jury verdict was excessive and it was entitled to a remittitur or a new trial. We affirm the Trial Court's evidentiary rulings and its refusal to grant a remittitur or new trial.
Authoring Judge: Judge David Michael Swiney
Originating Judge:Samuel H. Payne
Hamilton County Court of Appeals 03/26/01
In Re: Estate of Martha Woodard

E2000-02219-COA-R3-CV
This declaratory judgment action focuses on a dispute among three adult children concerning the ownership of certain funds in their mother's estate. In earlier litigation relating to the administration of the estate of the children's father, a chancellor found the same funds had been owned by the children's parents as tenants by the entireties and directed that the funds be transferred out of the father's estate, and "deposited to [the mother's] account." The children's mother died approximately four months after the entry of the chancellor's order. At the time of her death, the funds were still in the father's estate due to the fact that the executrix of his estate, who was also the mother's attorney-in-fact, had failed to transfer the funds into her mother's name. The mother's will made several specific bequests, including a bequest, to the petitioner in the instant case, of "all of [sic] money deposited in the First Tennessee Bank." The petitioner filed this suit seeking a declaration that the funds should be treated as constructively having been placed in the mother's checking account at First Tennessee Bank. The trial court granted such relief, and the respondents, the other two children, now appeal. We reverse.
Authoring Judge: Judge Charles D. Susano, Jr.
Originating Judge:Robert G. Lincoln
Washington County Court of Appeals 03/26/01
Daniel Lowe vs. Faytella Lowe

E2000-01456-COA-R3-CV
In this divorce case, the trial court dissolved a childless marriage of 5 1/2 years. Daniel Ed Lowe ("Husband") appeals, arguing that the trial court erred (1) in declaring the parties' antenuptial agreement void and (2) in granting Faytella D. Lowe ("Wife") half of the increase in value of Husband's retirement benefits accrued during the marriage. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge Charles D. Susano, Jr.
Originating Judge:Lawrence H. Puckett
Bradley County Court of Appeals 03/26/01
William H. Davis vs. Daira F. Davis

E2000-02678-COA-R3-CV
This appeal from the Cocke County Circuit Court questions whether the trial court erred in dividing the marital estate. Mr. Davis appeals the trial court's valuation of his closely held corporation, the payment of some debt by Mr. Davis, and the award of permanent periodic alimony to Ms. Davis. We affirm the decision of the trial court as modified and remand for such further proceedings, if any, consistent with this opinion. We adjudge costs of the appeal against the Appellant, William H. Davis and his surety.
Authoring Judge: Judge Houston M. Goddard
Originating Judge:Ben W. Hooper, II
Cocke County Court of Appeals 03/26/01
Joe/Lovie Ross vs. Shelby Co. Healthcare

W2000-01553-COA-R3-CV
This appeal arises from the contraction of the HIV virus by the appellant after he received blood transfusions from the appellees. The appellants brought a complaint with the Circuit Court of Shelby County against the appellees but then filed a voluntary dismissal without prejudice. The appellants refiled the complaint against the appellees. Process for the appellees was issued but returned unserved. The appellants failed to reissue process within one year. The appellants filed a motion for enlargement of time to issue new process pursuant to Rule 6.02 of the Tennessee Rules of Civil Procedure. The trial court denied the appellants' motion and dismissed the complaint against the appellees. The appellants appeal from the denial of their motion and the dismissal of the complaint against the appellees by the Circuit Court of Shelby County. For the reasons stated herein, we affirm the trial court's decision.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Alan E. Highers
Originating Judge:Robert A. Lanier
Shelby County Court of Appeals 03/21/01
Brian Elkins vs. Rex Berry & William Bolin

W2000-01143-COA-R3-CV
This case involves the right to a trial by jury. The plaintiff sued the defendants for injuries he sustained in an automobile collision that was allegedly caused by the defendants' negligence. In the plaintiff's complaint, he demanded a jury trial. The defendants also demanded a jury trial in their answers. On the eve of trial, unbeknownst to the defendants, the plaintiff withdrew his jury demand. On the morning of trial, the defendants appeared but were unrepresented by counsel. The trial court proceeded with a bench trial, and entered a judgment in favor of the plaintiff. The defendants now appeal, claiming, inter alia, that they were denied their right to a jury trial. We affirm, finding that the defendants' participation in the bench trial, without objection, constituted a waiver of their right to a jury trial under Rules 38.05 and 39.01 of the Tennessee Rules of Civil Procedure.
Authoring Judge: Judge Holly M. Kirby
Originating Judge:Julian P. Guinn
Carroll County Court of Appeals 03/21/01
Leslie Crossett vs. Roy Fuller

W2000-02482-COA-R3-CV
This is an appeal from a boundary dispute. The property in dispute is a roadway used by both parties to access their properties. The trial court determined the common boundary line, provided the Crossetts with an easement for ingress and egress, and awarded the Fullers their costs. The Crossetts appeal. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge David R. Farmer
Originating Judge:Ron E. Harmon
Carroll County Court of Appeals 03/21/01