APPELLATE COURT OPINIONS

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James Laney vs. Evelyn Oldham

E2000-02710-COA-R3-CV
Evelyn B. Oldham ("Defendant") sold to James C. R. Laney ("Plaintiff") a house and lot located next to a Chalet owned by Defendant. Defendant granted Plaintiff an easement for use of a driveway. Plaintiff later converted his residence into a business. In 1993, the Trial Court entered an Order interpreting the easement to allow Plaintiff's use of the driveway for a "normal amount of delivery." No appeal was taken from this Order. In 2000, the Trial Court, but a different trial judge, entered another Order interpreting the 1993 Order to allow for a normal amount of business deliveries using the driveway. We conclude that the 1993 Order permits only a normal amount of deliveries consistent with a residential use. We reverse the decision of the Trial Court, and remand for further proceedings.
Authoring Judge: Judge David Michael Swiney
Originating Judge:W. Frank Brown, III
Hamilton County Court of Appeals 08/28/01
Phillip Ledford vs. Bradley Memorial Hospital

E2001-00291-COA-R3-CV
The plaintiffs, Phillip A. Ledford ("Ledford") and his wife, Elizabeth Ledford, filed suit against the defendants, Daniel V. Johnson, M.D., Bradley Memorial Hospital ("the Hospital"), and Southeast Tennessee Orthopedics, Inc. ("Southeast"), alleging medical malpractice arising out of surgery performed by Dr. Johnson on Ledford's broken arm. The trial court granted the defendants summary judgment. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge Charles D. Susano, Jr.
Originating Judge:Lawrence H. Puckett
Bradley County Court of Appeals 08/28/01
Michael Cheslock vs. Bd. of Admin., etc .

W2001-00179-COA-R3-CV
On December 14, 1995, Memphis Police Lieutenant Michael Cheslock appeared before the Pension Board of Memphis, Tennessee, to request a line of duty disability pension as provided by the Memphis Code of Ordinances, Section 25-1(27). Mr. Cheslock had been diagnosed by two psychiatrists as disabled by job related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The Pension Board refused the line of disability pension, determining that Mr. Cheslock did not meet the requirements as defined by the code. Mr. Cheslock filed a petition for writ of certiorari in the Chancery Court of Shelby County. The petition was denied and this appeal followed. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge David R. Farmer
Originating Judge:Floyd Peete, Jr.
Shelby County Court of Appeals 08/28/01
Natalya Mazor vs. Kenneth Isaacman

W2000-01485-COA-R3-CV
This is a dental malpractice case. The patient visited the defendant dentist in August 1997 for routine root canal surgery. After the surgery, the patient began experiencing "constant" pain in the tooth in which the root canal was performed. She was told by the defendant dentist that this was pain ordinarily felt after root canal surgery. In February 1999, the patient visited another dentist who discovered that a piece of a drill bit had been left inside patient's tooth during the previous root canal. In December 1999, the patient filed a lawsuit against the defendant dentist for dental malpractice. The defendant dentist filed a motion to dismiss, arguing that the patient did not bring the claim within the one year statute of limitations. This motion was granted and the patient now appeals. We reverse, finding that the patient had one year from the time she discovered or should have discovered the foreign object in which to file her lawsuit.
Authoring Judge: Judge Holly M. Kirby
Originating Judge:Kay S. Robilio
Shelby County Court of Appeals 08/28/01
Arthur Anderson vs. Edwin Roberson

W2000-01879-COA-R3-CV
This appeal presents the sole issue of in personam jurisdiction of a nonresident corporation and the nonresident individual owning a majority interest in the corporation by virtue of their activities, as described in the Tennessee Long Arm statute, or alternatively, as co-conspirators with defendants, subject to the jurisdiction of the court.
Authoring Judge: Judge W. Frank Crawford
Originating Judge:George H. Brown
Shelby County Court of Appeals 08/28/01
Judy Burroughs vs. Robert Magee

W2001-00238-COA-R3-CV
This is a personal injury and wrongful death case. The plaintiff and her husband were involved in an automobile accident. The plaintiff sued the driver of the other vehicle for her husband's wrongful death as well as for injuries she sustained in the accident. The plaintiff named the driver's physician as an additional tortfeasor, alleging that the physician negligently prescribed drugs to a known drug addict, negligently prescribed two contraindicated drugs, and negligently failed to warn his patient of the risks of driving while under the influence of the drugs. The trial court granted the physician's motion for summary judgment on the grounds that the physician had no duty to unidentifiable third parties such as the plaintiff. We affirm in part and reverse in part, finding that the physician owed a duty to the plaintiff and the decedent to warn his patient of the risks of driving while under the influence of the prescribed drugs.
Authoring Judge: Judge Holly M. Kirby
Originating Judge:Joseph H. Walker, III
Lauderdale County Court of Appeals 08/28/01
In Re: Estate of Lois Chandler

E2000-03055-COA-R3-CV
Buster Chandler, Jr. ("Chandler") was appointed administrator of the estate of his mother, Lois Chandler, who died intestate in 1998. Chandler is incarcerated in Kentucky for a murder he committed in 1990. Chandler requested the Chancery Court arrange for his transportation from prison in Kentucky to Knoxville, Tennessee, so he could be present for the hearing regarding the closing of his mother's estate and so he could meet with the Knox County Attorney General regarding his murder conviction in Kentucky. Chandler argued that the Attorney General wanted to try him for the murder in Knoxville and would assist in obtaining a pardon from the governor of Kentucky. The Chancery Court denied his request, closed his mother's estate, and assessed court costs against Chandler as administrator. Chandler appeals. We affirm the Chancery Court.
Authoring Judge: Judge David Michael Swiney
Originating Judge:John F. Weaver
Knox County Court of Appeals 08/28/01
State of Tennessee v. Eddie McNabb

M2000-01490-CCA-R3-CD

The defendant appeals from his maximum sentence of six (6) years for voluntary manslaughter and the trial court's imposition of consecutive sentences. After review, we hold that the trial court properly sentenced the defendant to six (6) years for the voluntary manslaughter conviction and correctly ordered the defendant's convictions for voluntary manslaughter and aggravated assault be served consecutive to one another. Therefore, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.

Authoring Judge: Judge Jerry L. Smith
Originating Judge:Judge Thomas W. Graham
Marion County Court of Criminal Appeals 08/28/01
Patrick Reinshagen vs. PHP Companies, Inc.

E2001-00025-COA-R3-CV
In this action for breach of employment contract and defamation, the Trial Court granted summary judgment to defendants. Plaintiff appealed. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Herschel P. Franks
Originating Judge:W. Frank Brown, III
Hamilton County Court of Appeals 08/28/01
State of Tennessee v. Robert Blanton, Jr. - Order

M2000-01899-CCA-R3-CD

The defendant, Robert Blanton, Jr., was indicted by the Montgomery County Grand Jury on June 6, 1995, on one count of sale of marijuana and one count of delivery of marijuana, both Class E felonies. The defendant pled guilty to the indictment, and the trial court sentenced the defendant to probation. An affidavit of violation of probation was filed on April 17, 1996, and amended on September 6, 1996.

Authoring Judge: Judge John Everett Williams
Montgomery County Court of Criminal Appeals 08/28/01
Southwest Williamson County Community Assoc. et al vs. Bruce Saltsman

M2001-00943-COA-R3-CV
Being dissatisfied with the State's concept of, and planning for, the extension of State Route 840 through southwest Williamson County, three residents in the County, two nonprofit corporations, and a partnership that owns property in the County, sued J. Bruce Saltsman, Sr. ("the Commissioner"), in his official capacity as Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Transportation ("TDOT"). Following a bench trial, the court below entered a final judgment including (1) a writ of mandamus ordering the Commissioner to perform a number of "duties" in connection with Route 840; and (2) a permanent injunction enjoining him from moving forward with the planning and construction of Route 840 through Williamson County until he complies with the trial court's order. The Commissioner appeals. In addition to other bases for reversal, he asserts that the trial court lacked subject matter jurisdiction of this controversy. We agree with the appellant that the trial court was without subject matter jurisdiction. Accordingly, we reverse the judgment below in its entirety and dismiss the petition.
Authoring Judge: Judge Charles D. Susano, Jr.
Originating Judge:J. Russ Heldman
Williamson County Court of Appeals 08/28/01
Wanda Steinbrunner vs. Tuner Funeral Home, Inc., et al

E2001-00014-COA-R3-CV
Six years after her husband died, Wanda J. Steinbrunner sued the Chattanooga funeral home that handled his burial and the medical examiner that performed his autopsy. She made various claims based upon theories of negligence, gross negligence, and outrageous conduct. The trial court granted the funeral home and the medical examiner summary judgment. Steinbrunner appeals, challenging the grant of summary judgment. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge Charles D. Susano, Jr.
Originating Judge:Jacqueline E. Schulten
Hamilton County Court of Appeals 08/28/01
Roberts vs. Everhart Steel Const. Co. Inc.

E2001-00187-COA-R3-CV
In this action for damages for personal injuries allegedly caused by defendant's negligence, a jury awarded damages. On appeal, we conclusively presume the Judgment is correct, because we cannot review all of the evidence heard by the jury.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Herschel P. Franks
Originating Judge:Samuel H. Payne
Hamilton County Court of Appeals 08/28/01
2001-00383-COA-R3-CV

2001-00383-COA-R3-CV

Originating Judge:W. Neil Thomas, III
Hamilton County Court of Appeals 08/28/01
Blake Burton, et al vs. Hardwood Pallets, Inc., et al

E2001-00547-COA-R3-CV
This appeal involves a dispute between the sellers of a business and the bank that financed a portion of the purchase price. The plaintiffs, Blake Burton and Michael Burton, entered into an agreement with the defendant, Hardwood Pallets, Inc., to sell the Burtons' pallet manufacturing business. As partial consideration for the sale, Hardwood Pallets executed an unsecured promissory note to the Burtons in the amount of $1,000,000. Additional consideration for the sale was obtained by way of an $800,000 loan from the defendant, AmSouth Bank, to Hardwood Pallets; as a part of the bank transaction, Hardwood Pallets pledged its assets as collateral. As a condition to the making of the loan, AmSouth required the Burtons to execute a subordination agreement. When Hardwood Pallets defaulted on the bank loan, AmSouth sold the collateral at a private sale. Litigation ensued. In addition to suing Hardwood Pallets and its shareholders, the Burtons sued AmSouth, alleging procurement of breach of contract and civil conspiracy to defraud. AmSouth filed a counterclaim, alleging that the Burtons breached the subordination agreement. It also filed a motion for summary judgment, asserting that it acted within its rights under the subordination agreement. The trial court entered a judgment in favor of AmSouth pursuant to Tenn. R. Civ. P. 54.02. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge Charles D. Susano, Jr.
Originating Judge:Samuel H. Payne
Hamilton County Court of Appeals 08/28/01
State of Tennessee v. Marcia Lynn Williams

M2000-02593-CCA-R3-CD

The appellant, Marcia Lynn Williams, entered a best interest guilty plea in the Circuit Court of Marshall County to one count of obtaining drugs by false pretense, a class D felony. Following a sentencing hearing, the trial court imposed a sentence of three years incarceration in the Tennessee Department of Correction. On appeal, the appellant argues that the trial court erred by denying the appellant a sentence in the community corrections program. After a review of the record and the parties' briefs, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.

Authoring Judge: Judge Norma McGee Ogle
Originating Judge:Judge W. Charles Lee
Marshall County Court of Criminal Appeals 08/28/01
Sherry Lee Lightfoot v. Tommy Edwin Lightfoot

E2001-106-COA-R3-CV

Originating Judge:L. Marie Williams
Hamilton County Court of Appeals 08/28/01
Suzanne Jones vs. Metro Elevator Co.

W2000-02002-COA-R3-CV
This appeal involves claims for injuries sustained by the plaintiff while riding in an elevator. The plaintiff brought suit against numerous parties including the company managing the building and the company under contract to service the elevators in the building. The circuit court granted a motion for summary judgment as to the company managing the building. The case proceeded to trial, however, against the company under contract to service the elevators. After the circuit court refused to instruct the jury on the doctrine of res ipsa loquitur, the jury returned a verdict in favor of the elevator service provider. The plaintiff appeals the grant of summary judgment and the refusal to instruct the jury on the doctrine of res ipsa loquitur and for the following reasons, we affirm.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Alan E. Highers
Originating Judge:Mark Agee
Madison County Court of Appeals 08/27/01
Barbara Gaskins vs. Roger Gaskins

E2000-02915-COA-R3-CV
This appeal from the Circuit Court of Greene County questions whether the Trial Court erred in awarding Ms. Gaskins alimony for a seven year period. Mr. Gaskins appeals the decision of the Circuit Court of Greene County. We affirm the decision of the Trial Court as modified and remand for further proceedings consistent with this opinion. We adjudge costs of the appeal against the Appellant, Roger Arthur Gaskins, and his surety.
Authoring Judge: Judge Houston M. Goddard
Originating Judge:Ben K. Wexler
Greene County Court of Appeals 08/27/01
Reginald Webb v. State of Tennessee

W2000-01895-CCA-R3-PC

Petitioner appeals the denial of post-conviction relief by the Shelby County Criminal Court. He contends he received ineffective assistance of counsel at his jury trial where he was convicted of second degree murder. We affirm.

Authoring Judge: Judge Joe G. Riley
Originating Judge:Judge Bernie Weinman
Shelby County Court of Criminal Appeals 08/27/01
United States Pipe & Foundry Company v. Steven L. Camp

E2000-01198-WC-R3-CV
The trial court found the employee had sustained a temporary injury to his back and awarded medical benefits to treat his symptoms. On appeal the employee insists his injury was of a permanent nature. Judgment of the trial court is affirmed.
Authoring Judge: Thayer, Sp. J.
Originating Judge:L. Marie Williams, Circuit Judge
Knox County Workers Compensation Panel 08/27/01
Ryder Driver Leasing, Inc. v. Wilson

E2000-00905-WC-R3-CV
The trial court found the plaintiff had a compensable psychiatric injury. We affirm the findings of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: John K. Byers, Sr. J.
Originating Judge:Dale Workman, Circuit Court Judge
Knox County Workers Compensation Panel 08/27/01
State of Tennessee v. Charles R. Blackstock

E2000-01546-CCA-R3-CD

The defendant, Charles R. Blackstock, pled guilty to especially aggravated kidnapping and two counts of rape of a child. See Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 39-13-305, 39-13-522. The trial court imposed 25-year sentences on each offense. The sentences were ordered to be served consecutively, for an effective sentence of 75 years. The sentence for especially aggravated kidnapping and the consecutive sentencing order are affirmed. Because the trial court erroneously applied certain enhancement factors to each of the sentences for rape of a child, the terms are modified to 23 years.

Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Gary R. Wade
Originating Judge:Judge Douglas A. Meyer
Hamilton County Court of Criminal Appeals 08/27/01
State of Tennessee v. George E. Ratliff

E1999-01214-CCA-R3-CD

The defendant, George E. Ratliff, was convicted by a jury of rape of a child. In this consolidated appeal, Defendant alleges various errors by the trial court, challenges his sentence, and appeals the dismissal of his petition for writ of error coram nobis on the ground of untimely filing. After a review of the record and applicable law, we reverse the trial court's summary dismissal of the petition for writ of error coram nobis based on the recent decision of our supreme court in Workman v. State, 41 S.W.3d 100 (Tenn. 2001). We remand this matter to the trial court for a hearing on the merits of the petition for writ of error coram nobis. Pursuant to State v. Mixon, 983 S.W.2d 661 (Tenn. 1999), appellate proceedings on Defendant's appeal as of right from his conviction are stayed, pending the trial court's ruling on the error coram nobis petition.

Authoring Judge: Judge Thomas T. Woodall
Originating Judge:Judge Lynn W. Brown
Washington County Court of Criminal Appeals 08/27/01
In re: Estate of J. Crawford Murphy vs. Robert A. Murphy, et al.

E2001-01112-COA-R3-CV
In this case the Probate Court held that the personal representative of the Estate of Mae Thompson Murphy did not have authority to dissent from the will of her husband, J. Crawford Murphy, and thereby take an elective share of his estate. We find that T.C.A. 31-4-105 gives the personal representative this right and reverse the judgment of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Houston M. Goddard
Originating Judge:Jeffrey D. Rader
Sevier County Court of Appeals 08/27/01