APPELLATE COURT OPINIONS

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Betty J. Nash vs. G.L. Waynick

M2000-02096-COA-R3-CV
This appeal involves a dispute over the sale of a single family home in DeKalb County. The purchaser filed suit in the Circuit Court for DeKalb County alleging that the seller had violated the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act and the Tennessee Residential Property Disclosures Act. More than two years after the first two summonses were returned unserved, the purchaser caused a third summons to be issued that was served on the seller. The trial court entered a $27,000 default judgment against the seller on June 21, 2000, after concluding that the seller had been properly served and had presented no defenses to the purchaser's claims. On this appeal, the seller, who has been representing himself throughout these proceedings, asserts that he did not violate either the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act or the Tennessee Residential Property Disclosure Act and that the trial court erred by not considering his statute of limitations defense. We have determined that the purchaser's suit is time-barred for failure to comply with Tenn. R. Civ. P. 3. Therefore, we reverse the judgment and remand the case with directions that the purchaser's complaint be dismissed.
Authoring Judge: Judge William C. Koch, Jr.
Originating Judge:John J. Maddux
DeKalb County Court of Appeals 03/14/01
Arthur Armstrong, a/k/a Haki Al-Bey vs. Dept. of Correction, et al

M2000-02328-COA-R3-CV
An inmate who was found guilty of three disciplinary infractions challenged those convictions by filing a Petition for Writ of Certiorari. The trial court dismissed the Petition. We affirm the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Ben H. Cantrell
Originating Judge:Ellen Hobbs Lyle
Davidson County Court of Appeals 03/14/01
Tony Willis v. Dept of Correction

M2000-01397-COA-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Patricia J. Cottrell
Originating Judge:Ellen Hobbs Lyle
Davidson County Court of Appeals 03/13/01
Tony Willis v. Dept of Correction

M2000-01397-COA-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Patricia J. Cottrell
Originating Judge:Ellen Hobbs Lyle
Davidson County Court of Appeals 03/13/01
Rickey Cotten v. Board of Paroles

M2001-00875-COA-R3-CV
Petitioner was arrested in Florida for grand theft auto while on parole under a sentence in Tennessee. After beginning his sentence on the Florida conviction in a Florida prison, the Petitioner filed a "request for leave to waive revocation hearing, admission to violation of parole and request to have parole hearing in absentia and affidavit" with the Board of Paroles of Tennessee. The Board did not respond, so Petitioner filed a writ of mandamus with the Circuit Court for Davidson County to compel the Board to render a decision regarding his parole revocation. The trial court denied the writ and dismissed the petition because mandamus was not the appropriate remedy and the Petitioner was not in custody of the State of Tennessee for the purposes of parole revocation. We agree and affirm the decision of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Patricia J. Cottrell
Originating Judge:Walter C. Kurtz
Davidson County Court of Appeals 03/13/01
Janice Sadler, d/b/a Xanadu Video vs. State

M2000-01103-COA-R3-CV
The owner of a business filed a claim in the Tennessee Claims Commission for the loss of the business caused by a construction project that temporarily hindered ingress and egress to the claimant's location. The Claims Commissioner awarded the claimant the value of her business after finding that the State had negligently prolonged the construction project and had created a temporary nuisance. We reverse.
Authoring Judge: Judge Ben H. Cantrell
Court of Appeals 03/13/01
Bertha Smith vs. Harley Smith

M1998-00937-COA-R3-CV
The issues in this post-divorce case arise because the former husband's waiver of military retirement pay in order to receive disability benefits affected the former wife's receipt of her portion of the retirement pay which had been awarded to her in the distribution of marital property. The former husband reduced his payments to the former wife, who filed a contempt petition, seeking to reinstate the previously ordered amounts. The trial court considered the intent embodied in the divorce decree, and determined that the former wife should continue to receive the amount she received at the time of the divorce, despite the fact that the former husband no longer received "retirement pay." In light of our Supreme Court's holding in Johnson v. Johnson, No. W1999-01232-SC-R11-CV, 2001 WL 173502 (Tenn. Feb. 23, 2001), we affirm.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Patricia J. Cottrell
Originating Judge:Carol A. Catalano
Montgomery County Court of Appeals 03/13/01
Johnny & Mary Jo Harper, et al vs. Melvin Sloan, et al

M2000-01104-COA-R3-CV
This appeal involves the determination of whether the trial court erred in determining that a pathway known as Jaybird Lane was a public road. Additionally, the trial court found that the road had not been abandoned and thus granted summary judgment to the Defendants. For the following reasons, we affirm the ruling of the court below in all respects.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Alan E. Highers
Originating Judge:William H. Inman
Wilson County Court of Appeals 03/13/01
Second Chance Farms, Inc. v. Perry County, Tennessee

M2000-00513-COA-R3-CV

This case is before this Court on appeal from the Chancery Court for Perry County wherein cross-motions for summary judgment were filed. The Defendant's motion for summary judgment was granted. The trial court concluded that there were no genuine issues of material fact such that Defendant was entitled to summary judgment as a matter of law on its counter-claim against Plaintiff finding that Daniel's Landing Road is a public road. The standard of review is clear, we review the decision of the trial court de novo with no presumption of correctness on appeal. The issue on appeal is whether Daniel's Landing Road is a public road and, if so, whether it remains a public road absent abandonment or closing pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated Sections 54-10-201, et seq. We conclude that Daniel's Landing Road is a public road and affirm the trial court.

Authoring Judge: Judge William B. Cain
Originating Judge:Chancellor Russell Heldman
Perry County Court of Appeals 03/07/01
Sandra Mitchell v. Marc J. Kayem, M.D., et al.

M2000-01629-COA-R9-CV

Patient with a history of papillary carcinoma underwent a fine needle aspiration which confirmed a diagnosis of cancer in her neck region. Patient underwent surgery to remove the cancerous tissue which resulted in hypoparathyroidism and injury to her recurrent laryngeal nerve, risks commonly associated with the procedure. Patient brought informed consent action against doctor, claiming that, had the inherent risks of the procedure been disclosed to her, she would have sought a second opinion and had the procedure performed at a different facility by a different surgeon. The doctor moved for summary judgment, which the trial court denied. Finding there are no material, disputed facts remaining, we reverse and remand.

Authoring Judge: Judge David R. Farmer
Originating Judge:Judge Robert L. Holloway, Jr.
Maury County Court of Appeals 03/07/01
Pamela Lynn Lewis v. Andrew Robert Frances

M1998-00946-COA-R3-CV

In this divorce case, Husband appeals from the trial court's decisions classifying, valuing, and dividing the parties' property incident to their divorce and asserts that he is entitled to an award much greater than the $250,000 granted to him by the trial court. Wife also appeals the trial court's classification and distribution of property, asserting that Husband was not entitled to any portion of her separate property and that there was no marital property. An additional issue was raised by a post-judgment ruling by a successor trial judge setting aside the order of the prior judge declaring the parties divorced. We affirm the divorce and reverse the award to Husband.

Authoring Judge: Judge Patricia J. Cottrell
Originating Judge:Chancellor Henry Denmark Bell
Williamson County Court of Appeals 03/07/01
Anthony Gale Wix v. Cathy Marie Wix

M2000-00230-COA-R3-CV

This appeal involves the dissolution of an eighteen-year marriage by the Chancery Court for Lewis County. The trial court awarded the wife the divorce after concluding that the husband's continuing extramarital affair amounted to inappropriate marital conduct. To protect the "moral integrity of the marital relationship," the trial court granted the wife sole custody of the parties' two minor children and declined to grant the husband any visitation rights. In addition, the trial court ordered the husband to pay more than the minimum child support required by the child support guidelines because he was willfully underemployed and because he would not be exercising standard visitation with the children. The husband asserts on this appeal that the trial court's decisions with regard to custody and visitation, child support, and the division of the marital estate lack evidentiary support. We have determined that the trial court's disapproval of the husband's extramarital affair inappropriately colored its decisions regarding visitation and child support. Accordingly, we affirm the manner in which the trial court divided the parties' marital estate and reverse the trial court's visitation and child support awards.

Authoring Judge: Judge William C. Koch, Jr.
Originating Judge:Judge Russ Heldman
Lewis County Court of Appeals 03/07/01
Angela Collins v. Timothy Pharris

M1999-00588-COA-R3-CV

The petitioner appeals the general sessions court's denial of an order of protection and questions the proper avenue to appeal a general sessions court's ruling on an order of protection. We hold that, because the general sessions court has concurrent jurisdiction with the circuit and chancery courts to hear petitions for orders of protection, this court is the proper one to hear an appeal of the grant or denial of such an order. Because we find that the evidence does not preponderate against the trial court's denial of the order in this case, we affirm the trial court.

Authoring Judge: Judge Patricia J. Cottrell
Originating Judge:Judge Durwood Moore
Dickson County Court of Appeals 03/07/01
Wade Cummins, et al., v. Opryland Productions

M1998-00934-COA-R3-CV

This case involves the alleged breach of an oral contract and a claim of negligent misrepresentation. Defendant's agent contacted the plaintiffs, an Elvis impersonator, the members of his band, and members of the Jordanaires to book them for a performance nine months hence. Plaintiffs reserved the time, but no written agreement was ever executed. Weeks before the performance, Defendant informed Plaintiffs that their services would not be required. Plaintiffs sued alleging breach of an oral contract and negligent misrepresentation and now appeal the trial court's decision to grant summary judgment to Defendant on both issues. We affirm in part and reverse in part.

Authoring Judge: Judge Patricia J. Cottrell
Originating Judge:Chancellor Irvin H. Kilcrease, Jr.
Davidson County Court of Appeals 03/07/01
Tennessee Farmers Mutual Insurance Company, v. Nicholas Reaves Ramsey

M2000-01162-COA-R3-CV

This case seeks declaratory judgment as to whether or not the defendant, Nicholas Reaves Ramsey, was a "covered person" within the omnibus clause of an automobile liability insurance policy. In a non-jury trial the trial judge held that Defendant was not covered under the omnibus clause. We affirm.

Authoring Judge: Judge William B. Cain
Originating Judge:Judge Robert E. Corlew, III
Rutherford County Court of Appeals 03/02/01
Freddie Dean Smith, et al., v. Tony O. Haley, M.D.

01203-COA-R3-CV

Freddie Dean Smith and Anita Ann Smith (“Plaintiffs”) filed a medical malpractice action against
Tony O. Haley, M.D. (“Defendant”). Defendant moved for summary judgment with his affidavit
filed in support thereof. The motion was granted after Plaintiffs failed to file timely any competent
medical proof to defeat the motion. Plaintiffs filed a Motion to Reconsider along with the affidavit
of Joseph Bussey, M.D. The Trial Court granted the motion and reinstated the case to the active
docket. Dr. Bussey later refused to give his deposition because he was not comfortable giving a
deposition after reviewing the medical records and because he did not believe the case was going to “go this far” when he provided the affidavit. Defendant moved to strike the affidavit of Dr. Bussey and requested the Trial Court to reinstate its previous dismissal. The Trial Court granted
Defendant’s motion. Seeking additional time to locate another medical expert, Plaintiffs then filed a motion to alter or amend the judgment pursuant to Rule 59.04, Tenn. R. Civ. P., and for relief from the judgment pursuant to Rules 60.02(1) and 60.02(5), Tenn. R. Civ. P. The Trial Court denied this motion, and Plaintiffs appeal this denial. We affirm. Tenn. R. App. P. 3 Appeal As Of Right;
Judgment of the Law Court Affirmed; and Case Remanded.
 

Authoring Judge: Judge D. Michael Swiney
Originating Judge:Chancellor G. Richard Johnson
Washington County Court of Appeals 03/02/01
Mary Jarmakowicz, et al vs. Billy Suddarth, et al

M1998-00920-COA-R3-CV
This appeal arises out of a dispute over the purchase of Nationwide Travel Services, LLC. The jury found that the Sellers were still the owners of the agency and found for Buyers on the Sellers' claim for breach of contract. The jury found for Buyers on their claims of fraud and deceit, conversion and abuse of process and awarded compensatory damages. At the close of the proof, the trial court granted Sellers' motion for directed verdict on the issue of punitive damages. Later, the court denied Buyers' Motion for discretionary costs, and this appeal resulted. Buyers take issue with whether the trial court properly granted a directed verdict on punitive damages and whether the Court abused its discretion by denying discretionary costs. Sellers argue there was not sufficient evidence to support the jury's award on fraud and deceit, conversion and abuse of process. They also argue that the jury should have found for Sellers on the breach of contract claim. For the reasons below, we affirm the jury's award of compensatory damages and hold there was sufficient evidence to support the jury's determination of fraud and deceit, conversion, abuse of process and no breach of contract. Further, we affirm the trial Court's directed verdict on the issue of punitive damages. However, we vacate the denial of Buyers' motion for discretionary costs and remand for consideration consistent with this opinion.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Patricia J. Cottrell
Originating Judge:Thomas Goodall
Sumner County Court of Appeals 02/28/01
Brian Keith Smelley v. Dan Rawls, Individually And

26220-COA-R3-CV

Originating Judge:Lawrence H. Puckett
Bradley County Court of Appeals 02/28/01
Laura Mayshark Nichols v. Craig Alan Nichols

E1999-2825-COA-R3-CV

Originating Judge:G. Richard Johnson
Washington County Court of Appeals 02/28/01
Mohamed F. Ali v. Howard Carlton,

E2000-02549-COA-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Judge Charles D. Susano, Jr.
Originating Judge:G. Richard Johnson
Johnson County Court of Appeals 02/28/01
Elizabeth Doramus, et al vs. Rogers Group, Inc. and T.W. Comer

M1998-00918-COA-R3-CV
This appeal involves an intrafamily dispute over the use of a 498 acre farm. The conflict's seeds were sown nearly fifty years ago when the now-deceased owners conveyed the farm to a corporation and entered into a long-term lease which created successive leasehold tenancies for life for them, followed by their son, T. W. Comer. T. W. Comer's heirs at law were given the option to choose to become tenants upon his death. Years later, after T. W. Comer had become the tenant, he and Rogers Group, Inc., a mining company which had purchased the remainder interest in the farm, entered into an agreement involving the removal of limestone from the property. Mr. Comer's daughters and his granddaughters responded by commencing this action, seeking to prevent any mining on the property. After the daughters voluntarily dropped their claims, the trial court dismissed the complaint, and the granddaughters appealed. We affirm the trial court's ruling because we find that the granddaughters' interest is not sufficient to warrant an injunction against the lessor and the current lessee.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Patricia J. Cottrell
Originating Judge:Tom E. Gray
Sumner County Court of Appeals 02/28/01
Jim Vines vs. David Gibson

E2000-02257-COA-R3-CV
In this breach of contract case, the defendant appeals from the trial court's refusal to grant a new trial or set aside an order favorable to the plaintiff. Because we find that the defendant did not receive advance notice of the hearing that led to the entry of the order, we vacate the order of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Charles D. Susano, Jr.
Originating Judge:James B. Scott, Jr.
Anderson County Court of Appeals 02/27/01
James Fraysier vs. Karen Fraysier

E2000-02485-COA-R3-CV
James Thomas Fraysier ("Husband") filed a complaint seeking a divorce from Karen Kay Singleton Fraysier ("Wife") on the grounds of inappropriate marital conduct or, in the alternative, irreconcilable differences. Wife filed an answer and counterclaim seeking a divorce on the same grounds. The parties agreed upon the distribution of the marital assets, which was approved by the Trial Court. The two issues to be decided at trial were who should be granted the divorce and whether Wife was entitled to alimony. The Trial Court determined that Husband was entitled to a divorce on the basis of inappropriate marital conduct and that Wife was entitled to rehabilitative alimony in the amount of $600.00 per month for a period of 48 months or until further order of the court. Both parties appeal the Trial Court's determination with regard to alimony. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge David Michael Swiney
Originating Judge:Jean A. Stanley
Washington County Court of Appeals 02/27/01
Vickie Sherman vs. American Water Heater Co., Inc.

E2000-01389-COA-R3-CV
The Trial Court held release given by plaintiff barred plaintiff's claim for statutory indemnification. On appeal we reverse.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Herschel P. Franks
Originating Judge:Thomas J. Seeley, Jr.
Washington County Court of Appeals 02/27/01
John Fiser, et al vs. Town of Farragut

E1999-00425-COA-R3-CV
In this suit the Plaintiffs seek a declaratory judgment that a Zoning Ordinance of the Town of Farragut, which admittedly seeks to eliminate off-premises billboards, is invalid insofar as their property is concerned. The Trial Court found in favor of Farragut. We reverse.
Authoring Judge: Judge Houston M. Goddard
Originating Judge:Daryl R. Fansler
Knox County Court of Appeals 02/27/01