Loper v. JMAR ( 2013 )

IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO
Opinion Number: _______________
Filing Date: July 3, 2013
Docket No. 31,357
DAN LOPER d/b/a RIO LECHE DAIRY CO.,
Plaintiff-Appellant,
v.
JMAR, a New Mexico General Partnership,
Defendant-Appellee.
APPEAL FROM THE DISTRICT COURT OF CURRY COUNTY
David P. Reeb Jr., District Judge
Law Offices of Felicia C. Weingartner, P.C.
Felicia C. Weingartner
Albuquerque, NM
Dominalaw Group PC LLO
David A. Domina
Omaha, NE
for Appellant
Beall & Biehler
Gregory L. Biehler
Albuquerque, NM
for Appellee
OPINION
VIGIL, Judge.
{1} In this negligence case, the district court granted summary judgment to Defendant
(JMAR) in two separate orders. First, the district court ruled that the doctrine of circuity of
actions bars Plaintiff’s claims. Secondly, the district court granted summary judgment when
1
it ruled that the opinions of Plaintiff’s expert on causation are not admissible as not being
based on the facts of the case. We reverse both orders.
I. BACKGROUND
{2} Plaintiff, Dan Loper, d/b/a Rio Leche Dairy, hired JMAR, a contractor, to design,
build, and deliver a new, turn-key fully operational dairy. JMAR subcontracted the electrical
work on the dairy to Kyle Snider, d/b/a Snider Electric (Snider Electric). When the dairy
was delivered, Plaintiff noticed problems with the milk production of his dairy cattle. After
considering and eliminating other causes of low milk production, such as milking practices
and nutritional needs of the cows, Plaintiff hired an electrician, Precision Electric, to conduct
an electrical survey of the dairy. Precision Electric found electrical wiring defects in the
dairy and corrected them. The opinion of Plaintiff’s expert, LaVerne Stetson, is that the
wiring defects resulted in stray voltage at the dairy which adversely affected the production
of milk by cows in the herd.
{3} Plaintiff sued both JMAR and Snider Electric for losses in milk production he alleged
occurred as a result of JMAR’s negligence in its construction and design of the dairy, and
Snider Electric’s failure to properly install the electrical system in the dairy. Plaintiff also
brought breach of contract claims against JMAR, alleging that JMAR failed to supply
contracted improvements at the dairy, such as additional buildings, sheds, and equipment.
{4} At the outset of the litigation, JMAR sent Snider Electric a letter, demanding
indemnification for any liability imposed upon JMAR as a result of Snider Electric’s
negligent installation of the electrical system. Plaintiff and Snider Electric then settled their
claims before trial, and Snider Electric was dismissed from the lawsuit. In relevant part,
their agreement requires Plaintiff to indemnify Snider Electric as follows:
[Plaintiff] agrees to defend, indemnify, and hold Snider [Electric] and
[its] insurer harmless from and against any claims, or judgment of liability
for indemnity or contribution which arises by, through, or under JMAR . . .
which arises in any way from the circumstances and claims set forth in the
lawsuit.
[Plaintiff] agrees to reduce any judgment which is obtained against
JMAR . . . to whatever extent is necessary to extinguish any claim which
JMAR . . . would otherwise have against Snider [Electric] for indemnity or
contribution. It is the intent of the parties that neither Snider [Electric nor its]
insurer have any liability to any person or entity as a result of the lawsuit
beyond the payment . . . described in . . . this agreement.
{5} Based upon Plaintiff’s agreement to indemnify Snider Electric, JMAR filed a motion
for summary judgment, asserting that Plaintiff’s agreement to indemnify Snider Electric
created a circular chain of indemnification because of Snider’s obligations to indemnify
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JMAR for its negligence and that Plaintiff’s claims were therefore barred under the doctrine
of circuity. The district court granted the motion, concluding that the doctrine of circuity
prevented Plaintiff from asserting claims dealing with electrical matters against JMAR that
arose “out of the conduct of Snider Electric.”
{6} The district court also granted JMAR’s motion to exclude the testimony of Mr.
Stetson. This resulted in a second order of summary judgment in JMAR’s favor because
without Mr. Stetson’s testimony, Plaintiff was unable to prove that stray voltage caused the
problems with milk production.
{7} Trial proceeded on Plaintiff’s remaining contractual claims against JMAR. Judgment
on the jury verdict in JMAR’s favor was entered on the contractual claims, and Plaintiff now
appeals from the summary judgment orders.
II. ANALYSIS
{8} Plaintiff raises two issues on appeal: (A) that the district court erred in granting
summary judgment to JMAR on all claims related to the electrical issues at the Rio Leche
Dairy based on the doctrine of circuity; and (B) that the district court erred in granting
summary judgment due to its erroneous exclusion of the opinion of Mr. Stetson, Plaintiff’s
expert.
{9} Before addressing these issues, we resolve two arguments raised by JMAR that
Plaintiff waived his right to argue them on appeal. JMAR argues that because Plaintiff went
to trial on the issues not excluded by the summary judgment orders, he waived his argument
regarding these claims because he did not raise the direct negligence claims against JMAR
at the trial on the breach of contract claims. The summary judgment order with respect to
the doctrine of circuity states: “The Court . . . finds the motion [for summary judgment] is
well taken as to claims arising out of the conduct of Snider Electric . . . [, and t]he motion
is granted with regard to any claims related to the electrical matters and denied as to any
remaining claims.” In addition, summary judgment was granted with respect “to the stray
voltage claims supported by the testimony of Mr. Stetson[,]” Plaintiff’s expert. We conclude
that these orders together were sufficiently broad to prevent Plaintiff from asserting its
negligence causes of action against JMAR at the trial on the breach of contract claims. Thus,
we conclude there was no waiver of the arguments Plaintiff now makes.
{10} JMAR also asserts that Plaintiff should have sought clarification from the district
court on the scope of the orders so as to prevent waiver of these claims, and that because
Plaintiff approved the orders as to form, it waived its opportunity to do so. We disagree that
Plaintiff was required to raise ambiguity of the orders in the district court that JMAR now
perceives and raises for the first time on appeal. We therefore proceed to consider Plaintiff’s
claims of error regarding JMAR’s negligence.
{11} “Summary judgment is appropriate where there are no genuine issues of material fact
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and the movant is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.” Self v. United Parcel Serv., Inc.,
1998-NMSC-046, ¶ 6, 126 N.M. 396, 970 P.2d 582. “On appeal from the grant of summary
judgment, we ordinarily review the whole record in the light most favorable to the party
opposing summary judgment to determine if there is any evidence that places a genuine issue
of material fact in dispute.” City of Albuquerque v. BPLW Architects & Eng’rs, Inc., 2009-
NMCA-081, ¶ 7, 146 N.M. 717, 213 P.3d 1146. “However, if no material issues of fact are
in dispute and an appeal presents only a question of law, we apply de novo review and are
not required to view the appeal in the light most favorable to the party opposing summary
judgment.” Id.
A. Doctrine of Circuity
{12} The doctrine of circuity of actions has been recognized in other jurisdictions and
some federal courts to resolve lawsuits as a matter of law when a plaintiff has agreed to
indemnify one defendant pursuant to a settlement while pursuing damages from another
defendant who has a right of indemnity from the defendant that plaintiff has agreed to
indemnify. A circular chain of indemnification results, in which the plaintiff ends up
indemnifying a co-defendant for the claim that it recovered against another co-defendant.
Thus, the doctrine was developed to prevent needless litigation and resolve such lawsuits as
a matter of law. See Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. v. RLI Ins. Co., 292 F.3d 583, 594 (8th Cir. 2002)
(“Generally, courts will not allow parties to engage in circuitous action when the foreseeable
end result is to put the parties back in the same position in which they began.”); Moore v.
Sw. Elec. Power Co., 737 F.2d 496, 501 (5th Cir. 1984) (“When such circular patterns of
indemnity develop, . . . courts resolve the matter by denying recovery to [the] plaintiffs.”);
Ward v. IHC Health Servs., Inc., 2007 UT App 362, ¶ 14, 173 P.3d 186 (adopting the
doctrine of circuity in the Utah courts and noting that although never recognized before, it
likely has its roots in the same policies as the mootness doctrine). We have not yet
considered whether the doctrine of circuity applies in New Mexico, and it is not necessary
for us to do so in this case.
{13} Plaintiff has asserted negligence theories against JMAR arising from JMAR’s alleged
negligent design, negligent misrepresentation, negligent hiring, and negligent supervision
in the construction of the dairy. JMAR argues that based on traditional indemnification rules
set forth in Otero v. Jordan Restaurant Enterprises, it would be entitled to indemnification
from Snider Electric on all of these claims because it was the passive actor and Snider
Electric was actively negligent in failing to ground the wiring system. 1996-NMSC-047, ¶¶
2-3, 14, 122 N.M. 187, 922 P.2d 569 (citing Restatement (Second) of Torts § 422(b) (1965),
which states: “[a] possessor of land who entrusts to an independent contractor construction,
repair, or other work on the land, or on a building or other structure upon it, is subject to the
same liability as though he had retained the work in his own hands to others on or outside
of the land for physical harm caused to them by the unsafe condition of the structure . . . [if
he has possession of the land while the work is being completed, or] after he has resumed
possession of the land upon its completion[,]” and providing that a landowner is entitled to
traditional indemnification from the contractor under these circumstances).
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{14} Assuming we were to adopt the doctrine of circuity, Plaintiff’s claims cannot be
resolved as a matter of law on summary judgment because the causes of action are based on
the negligence of JMAR in designing the electrical system, negligently hiring and
supervising Snider Electric, and negligently misrepresenting that Snider Electric was an
“expert in the business of installing electrical wiring for commercial dairies.” JMAR cannot
seek traditional indemnification from Snider Electric on these claims because the claims
have nothing to do with any alleged negligence on the part of Snider Electric. Plaintiff also
asserts that he has abandoned all pure vicarious liability causes of action against JMAR that
could give rise to a right of traditional indemnification and that he is only asserting against
JMAR causes of action directly that are subject to comparative fault. See NMSA 1978, §
41-3A-1(C) (1987); Otero, 1996-NMSC-047, ¶ 3; In re Consol. Vista Hills Retaining Wall
Litig., 119 N.M. 542, 893 P.2d 438 (1995). Because a question of fact remains as to whether
Plaintiff may recover a remedy solely from JMAR on the causes of action made directly
against JMAR, Plaintiff’s lawsuit is not barred by the doctrine of circuity at this stage of the
case. Further, the agreement between Plaintiff and Snider Electric requires Plaintiff to
reduce any judgment against JMAR by any amount that Snider Electric is liable to JMAR.
Thus, the agreement resolves any potential claims for proportional indemnification that
JMAR might have against Snider Electric under the causes of action Plaintiff has brought
against JMAR. See Kirby v. N.M. State Highway Dep’t, 97 N.M. 692, 643 P.2d 256 (Ct.
App. 1982).
{15} The doctrine of circuity may have applicability in some circumstances under New
Mexico law, where a defendant is entitled to total indemnification under traditional
indemnification; however, because Plaintiff has alleged causes of action against JMAR
involving its direct negligence, the doctrine of circuity does not apply to bar Plaintiff’s
claims at this stage in the proceeding because of our adoption of comparative fault. See
Trujillo v. Berry, 106 N.M. 86, 87, 738 P.2d 1331, 1332 (Ct. App. 1987) (stating that
notwithstanding New Mexico’s adoption of comparative fault, traditional indemnification
is still available in cases involving vicarious liability or strict liability, where the liability of
the indemnitee arises not from its own fault, but from its relationship with the party at fault).
However, that is not the case before us here.
{16} We therefore conclude that summary judgment was improperly granted because there
remain disputed questions of fact as to whether JMAR was a passive or active tortfeasor and
whether it was entitled to traditional indemnification from Snider Electric on any of the
negligence claims brought directly against JMAR.
B. Opinion of Laverne Stetson
{17} JMAR filed a motion for summary judgment asserting that Mr. Stetson’s opinions
are not admissible because they lack evidentiary support in the record and that without this
opinion evidence of causation, Plaintiff’s claims fail. Specifically, JMAR contended that
because Mr. Stetson is of the opinion that the amount of stray voltage necessary to adversely
affect dairy animals is approximately 2 to 4 volts at a cow contact point, his opinion should
5
be excluded because there was no objective evidence of stray voltage at the 2 volt threshold
in the Rio Leche Dairy.1 The district court agreed and granted the motion.
{18} Rule 11-702 NMRA provides: “A witness who is qualified as an expert by
knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education may testify in the form of an opinion or
otherwise if the expert’s scientific, technical, or other specialized knowledge will help the
trier of fact to understand the evidence or to determine a fact in issue.” The admission of
expert testimony lies in the discretion of the trial court. State v. Torres, 1999-NMSC-010,
¶ 27, 127 N.M. 20, 976 P.2d 20; State v. Alberico, 116 N.M. 156, 169, 861 P.2d 192, 205
(1993). “An abuse of discretion standard of review, however, is not tantamount to rubber-
stamping the trial judge’s decision,” and we are not prevented from conducting a meaningful
analysis of the admission of the expert testimony “to ensure that the trial judge’s decision
was in accordance with the Rules of Evidence and the evidence in the case.” Alberico, 116
N.M. at 170, 861 P.2d at 206; see Torres, 1999-NMSC-010, ¶ 27. Moreover, when the trial
court applies a wrong legal standard in determining whether evidence is admissible, an abuse
of discretion results. See Dahl v. Turner, 80 N.M. 564, 568, 458 P.2d 816, 820 (Ct. App.
1
Larson v. Williams Elec. Coop., Inc., 534 N.W.2d 1 n.1 (N.D. 1995) describes stray
voltage as follows:
In order to understand stray voltage or neutral-to-earth voltage, one
must first understand the neutral-grounded network. All electricity leaving
an electrical substation must return to that substation in order to complete a
circuit. Unless that circuit is completed, electricity will not flow. The current
leaves the substation on a high voltage line which eventually connects to
some electrical “appliance.” After exiting the “appliance” that current must
return to the substation. The neutral-grounded network provides the returning
current two choices. Either it can return via the neutral line, which accounts
for the second wire on our electrical poles, or it can return through the
ground. These two pathways comprise the grounded-neutral network.
Electricity flows through the path of lowest resistance. If there exists more
resistance in the neutral line than in the ground, the current will flow through
the ground to return to the substation.
Neutral-to-earth voltage or stray voltage will occur when current
moves from either the neutral line to the ground or from the ground to the
neutral line. It uses a cow as a pathway if that animal happens to bridge the
gap between the two. A cow’s hooves provide an excellent contact to the
earth while standing on wet concrete or mud, while at the same time the cow
is contacting the grounded-neutral system consisting of items such as metal
stanchions, stalls, feeders, milkers, and waterers. The current simply uses the
cow as a pathway in its eventual return to the substation. Apparently very
slight voltages can affect cattle. Evidence in this case suggested anything
greater than one volt can be catastrophic to a dairy farm.
6
1969). Finally, we observe that “in light of the liberal approach of our rules of evidence to
the admission of evidence and the heightened qualifications of modern day jurors, any doubt
regarding the admissibility of expert opinion evidence ‘should be resolved in favor of
admission, rather than exclusion.’” Parkhill v. Alderman-Cave Milling & Grain Co., 2010-
NMCA-110, ¶ 60, 149 N.M. 140, 245 P.3d 585 (quoting Lee v. Martinez, 2004-NMSC-027,
¶ 16, 136 N.M. 166, 96 P.3d 291) (Vigil, J., specially concurring)), cert. quashed 2013-
NMCERT-005, ___ P.3d ___ (No. 29,120, May 10, 2013).
{19} It is now settled that under Rule 11-702, the admissibility of expert testimony
depends upon three requirements: “(1) that the expert be qualified; (2) that the testimony
be of assistance to the trier of fact; and (3) that the expert’s testimony be about scientific,
technical, or other specialized knowledge with a reliable basis.” State v. Downey, 2008-
NMSC-061, ¶ 25, 145 N.M. 232, 195 P.3d 1244; accord Torres, 1999-NMSC-010, ¶ 23;
Alberico, 116 N.M. at 166, 861 P.2d at 202. We address each requirement in turn to
determine if the district court properly excluded Mr. Stetson’s testimony.
1. Whether Mr. Stetson is Qualified
{20} The parties do not dispute that Mr. Stetson is qualified to render an opinion on stray
voltage in this case. We agree. Nevertheless, we set forth his qualifications because, as will
become apparent, his qualifications are relevant to our analysis and ultimate conclusion that
his opinions are admissible.
{21} Mr. Stetson’s vitae is twenty-nine pages long, and we provide only highlights. Mr.
Stetson has a bachelor of science degree and a master of science degree in agricultural
engineering. In working on his master’s degree, he took many courses in electrical
engineering, as the main portion of his master’s degree was focused on electrical aspects of
agriculture. Mr. Stetson worked as an agricultural engineer for the United States Department
of Agriculture and as adjunct professor of biological systems engineering at the University
of Nebraska from 1962 to 2000. Mr. Stetson’s membership in professional organizations
includes the American Society of Agricultural Engineers (ASAE) since 1962, the Institute
of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) since 1989, the International Association of
Electrical Inspectors (IAEI) since 1985, and the National Fire Protection Association
(NFPA) from 1995-2005.
{22} From 1971 to 2000, Mr. Stetson conducted research by way of laboratory and field
experiments on the safety, electrical requirements, and load management of irrigation and
farmstead equipment. In this regard, Mr. Stetson has published 274 articles and papers.
More specific to this case, six publications relate to stray voltage generally; eight relate to
electrical systems for agricultural buildings; and twenty-three publications address electrical
wiring of dairies, stray voltage in dairies, and the effects of stray voltage on dairy cows. He
served on two panels of the National Electric Code and led in the development or revision
of most of the present electrical standards that apply to agriculture. Mr. Stetson also
developed instrumentation and techniques to detect, correct, and prevent stray voltage in
7
agricultural buildings, including dairy barns, and he helped develop American Society of
Agricultural & Biological Engineers (ASABE) standards for electrical installations in rural
buildings and to protect against stray voltage and other risks.
{23} Mr. Stetson is a principal author of the “Wiring Handbook for Rural Facilities”
published by the Midwest Plan Service as MWPS-28 (3d ed. 2006) that is in common use
nationally. Midwest Plan Service is an educational consortium of twelve universities and
the United States Department of Agriculture headquartered at Iowa State University. In
addition, Mr. Stetson was a key instructor numerous times in a three-day “Stray Voltage
Investigators” short course offered by the University of Wisconsin at Madison, and he also
conducted day-long courses in detecting and correcting stray voltage for personnel and
electricians of Rural Power Supplies in South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Colorado, Texas,
and Nebraska.
{24} Since 2000, Mr. Stetson has worked as a consulting engineer and served as an expert
witness in sixteen separate matters. He has been qualified to testify as an expert witness by
courts in Nebraska, Oklahoma, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Idaho, and he has testified or
given expert opinions in cases in Nebraska, Kansas, New York, Idaho, Missouri, and
Minnesota, which settled.
2. Whether Mr. Stetson’s Testimony Will Assist the Trier of Fact
{25} The requirement that the testimony be of assistance to the trier of fact is primarily
one of relevance. State v. Anderson, 118 N.M. 284, 291, 881 P.2d 29, 36 (1994). If an
opinion is not sufficiently tied to the facts in the case, it will not assist the jury in resolving
a factual dispute in the case. Downey, 2008-NMSC-061, ¶ 30. We therefore examine
whether Mr. Stetson’s opinions are tied to the facts of the case and therefore relevant.
{26} Mr. Stetson followed a defined analytical process to arrive at his conclusions. First,
he knew there was a potential stray voltage problem at the Rio Leche Dairy. Second, he
reviewed the data produced by Precision Electric, noted the items it found regarding how the
dairy was improperly wired by Snider Electric, and the corrections Precision Electric made.
The Precision Electric data revealed numerous deficiencies, failings, and faults in how
Snider Electric installed the electrical systems in the dairy, all of which have been found to
cause stray voltage. His third step was to examine the deposition of Mr. Snider, where he
learned how Snider Electric wired the dairy. Mr. Snider’s deposition also revealed that Mr.
Snider was unaware of the requirements of Chapter 547 of the National Electric Code on
how to wire an agricultural building. In fact, Mr. Snider did not even know that Chapter 547
of the National Electric Code existed. Based on the foregoing information, Mr. Stetson
formulated his initial conclusions, and his final step was to speak to Plaintiff. Plaintiff told
him that after Precision Electric corrected the work done by Snider Electric, the cows came
in easier into the barn and they milked faster, without any change in their feed.
{27} When he completed his analysis of the data, Mr. Stetson submitted an affidavit
8
setting forth the following findings:
• When the Rio Leche Dairy was built, no plans, drawings, or specifications
existed to govern the construction. The only blueprints or drawings related
to the project were for the electrical panels in the equipment room. There
was no wiring lay-out for the rest of the building so there was, and is, no
standard, direction or guide available for workmen to follow during
construction, or for the inspectors to inspect thereafter.
• Persons involved in construction had no experience with wiring dairy
facilities, and in fact, both the general contractor [JMAR] and the electrical
contractor [Snider Electric] acknowledge they had never heard of stray
voltage and did not know what it was at the time.
• Stray voltage happens in circumstances which are hard to detect and must
be carefully protected against during the construction process.
Construction of a dairy facility, without an awareness of stray voltage, its
risks, and the construction outlined in MWPS- 28, creates a dramatic
risk that stray voltage will develop during the dairy parlor’s use, at times
not necessarily predictable.
• Milk cows are hypersensitive to electrical current. Stray voltage harms milk
cow production because it affects the cow’s behavior, causing the cow to let
down less than all her milk.
• The work performed by Precision Electric, including the work papers . . .
reviewed, discloses that stray voltage was identified as present in the Rio
Leche Dairy parlor. Corrective steps were taken immediately after it was
discovered. Those steps, taken by Precision [Electric], which was a company
knowledgeable with dairy parlor construction and wiring, appear to have
eliminated the stray voltage problem on the farm.
Based on these findings, Mr. Stetson concluded:
• The precise, pinpoint source of stray voltage at Rio Leche Dairy cannot be
ascertained now and may not have been at any time except as Precision
Electric was able to eliminate it with the work [it] performed as disclosed in
its records. Precision’s work indicates that the most probable source of stray
voltage was with problems in the original construction of the project.
• I am reasonably certain, based on my education, training, and experience, and
information disclosed about the manner in which the dairy parlor was
constructed, that its development of stray voltage over time was inevitable
and stray voltage actually did develop within the facility. This occurred
9
because large amounts of electrical current are used in a mechanical system
as complex as a dairy facility; to use it without injury to animals, the dairy
facility must be grounded in a reasonable fashion that complies with the
constructions standards of MWPS-28. When stray voltage is not [properly]
prevented by proper grounding, stray voltage can develop.
{28} These opinions were subsequently explored in Mr. Stetson’s deposition. Mr. Stetson
confirmed his opinion that there was a sufficient amount of stray voltage at the Rio Leche
Dairy to affect milk production when Precision Electric started its work. Mr. Stetson
repeated that the deficient and improper wiring of the Rio Leche Dairy by Snider Electric,
in his opinion, caused stray voltage to occur. Mr. Stetson testified:
The wiring that Precision Electric determined there was improper connection
of neutrals in grounds, which the neutral current then gets on the grounded
current and that can affect animals. There was improper grounding of the
metal. There was the improper wiring. There was improper selection of
wiring materials, metal conduit, which can also carry current. So the wiring
methods that [Snider Electric] used and the wiring materials with all the
things that we know cause stray voltage. So when we find stray voltage, the
thing you do is you correct the grounding. You correct the grounds and
neutrals, and you correct the equipment to make sure it’s nonconductive.
Mr. Stetson then elaborated in greater detail on each of the wiring deficiencies and how they
cause stray voltage.
{29} Mr. Stetson was also informed by Plaintiff that before Precision Electric did its work,
the cows were reluctant to enter the barn, and milking time took longer. Moreover, it was
“very significant” to Mr. Stetson that after Precision Electric completed its work, milk
production improved dramatically.
{30} Based on the foregoing information and data, Mr. Stetson testified he was confident
to a reasonable degree of scientific certainty, based on his engineering judgment, that the
way the dairy was grounded and wired caused stray voltage in a quantity sufficient to affect
milk production.
{31} We conclude that Mr. Stetson’s opinions are sufficiently grounded in the facts of the
case, and relevant. Specifically, they are of assistance to the jury in deciding whether
negligence resulted in stray voltage being present in the Rio Leche Dairy. See Rule 11-401
NMRA (stating evidence is relevant if “it has any tendency to make a fact more or less
probable than it would be without the evidence, and . . . the fact is of consequence in
determining the action”).
3. Whether Mr. Stetson’s Opinions Are Reliable
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{32} We now come to the pivotal question posed under this issue. In his initial affidavit,
Mr. Stetson expressed his opinion that “[t]he amount of stray voltage necessary to adversely
affect dairy animals is approximately 2 to 4 volts.” In his subsequent depositions and
affidavit, he never wavered from this opinion. Further, he testified that authoritative
literature, such as the 1991 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) publication,
“Effects of Electric Voltage/Current on Farm Animals,” (commonly called the “Redbook”),
states that the amount of stray voltage necessary to affect dairy animals is approximately 2
to 4 volts, and that this threshold is verified by further research.2
{33} However, Mr. Stetson acknowledged that there was no objective evidence of stray
voltage meeting this threshold in the Rio Leche Dairy. In order to feel comfortable in
reaching a scientific conclusion, Mr. Stetson would want an appropriate stray voltage
investigation conducted, following proper protocols. In this regard, Mr. Stetson
recommended taking voltage measurements at least at four different cow contact points at
a facility, and the measurements are ideally made over a period of time, at least over two
milkings by a digital or analog paper graph recording changes in voltage at various intervals
over that period of time. He would want to graph voltages between two points at various
intervals during that period of time covering two milkings, and the measurements would be
between a reference ground rod and one of the four cow contact points selected at the dairy.
In addition, he recommended using a 500-Ohm shunt resistor between the two contact points
to simulate the resistance of a cow when measuring the volts. However, such a stray voltage
investigation was never conducted in this case.
{34} Precision Electric did not do a graph to measure the voltage over time, and it did not
use a 500-Ohm shunt resistor. Most electrical contractors such as Precision Electric do not
have the necessary equipment, and only people who specialize in stray voltage investigations
would have the type of equipment used to make such measurements. Rather than conducting
a stray voltage investigation, Precision Electric conducted what Mr. Stetson called a stray
volt survey, and he said that based on the survey, there is no way to determine what piece
of equipment or what physical pieces of the building or structures were the source of the
stray voltage.
{35} Donald DeGray of Precision Electric testified he made visual checks and voltage
checks throughout the Rio Leche Dairy and only made notes to determine what repairs to the
wiring were needed. The maximum measurement made in a cow contact area was .52 volts.
Thus, the measurements taken by Precision Electric were not even half of the amount of
2
Nevertheless, reported cases indicate that the amount of voltage necessary to affect
a cow remains a matter of dispute among experts. See Winner Bros., L.L.C. v. Seitz Elec.,
Inc., 2009-Ohio-2316, 912 N.E.2d 1180, at ¶¶ 10-18 (discussing fact that the plaintiff’s
expert disagreed with the Redbook threshold); Hoover’s Dairy, Inc. v. Mid-Am. Dairymen,
Inc., 700 S.W.2d 426, 434 n.7 (Mo. 1985) (en banc) (“A reading of the literature suggests
that it is still a disputed point on the extent of voltage necessary to [a]ffect a cow.”).
11
voltage necessary to affect behavior and milk production. Nevertheless, Mr. Stetson relied
on Mr. DeGray’s testimony that he found miswiring and corrected it and on the notes Mr.
DeGray made on what was found in the dairy. “[T]here were many—several things that he
fixed that are highly causative of stray voltage.”
{36} After his deposition, Mr. Stetson submitted a second affidavit setting forth his
opinions. He made it clear that his opinions were based on his knowledge, education, and
training, using research applications, knowledge, and methodologies contained in peer-
reviewed and peer-compiled publications. Moreover, he said, his opinions were based on
sufficient data generally considered to be reliable and accepted by experts in his field. Those
opinions are:
• It is more probable that stray voltage emanated from the original
installation of electric parts and components at Rio Leche Dairy than
from any other source. . . . [G]iven the construction techniques used
and errors made, as identified in my deposition, it is far more likely
the source of stray voltage was from construction deficiencies and
errors [than from any other source].
• The level of stray voltage, which I believe was transient at the Rio
Leche Dairy facility, was sufficient to adversely affect the production
of milk by cows in the herd.
{37} Mr. Stetson’s deposition was taken a second time. He was asked how much of his
engineering opinion is based on objective facts, and how much is predicated on his
engineering experience. Mr. Stetson answered, “I would say the majority was based on my
experience. When I see a notation that grounds and neutrals were interconnected [at the Rio
Leche Dairy], I recall the various times I saw those and corrected them and found it solved
the stray voltage problem. My experience is a very large factor in that conclusion.” He was
then asked to quantify how much of his opinion of scientific probability was based on his
engineering experience, and Mr. Stetson answered, “In this case I would say it would be
probably [seventy] percent experience because all I had was the improper wiring things that
Precision Electric had found and corrected. So I didn’t have very much hard evidence, but
I had a lot of past experience from solving problems where those types of wirings had
occurred.” Thus, seventy percent of his opinion is based on his engineering experience or
expertise and thirty percent is based upon the objective evidence. Mr. Stetson asserted his
experience-based methodology has never produced erroneous results.
{38} In cases where the expert testimony is based on the knowledge, training, or
experience of the witness, the Daubert-Alberico factors do not apply. See State v. Torrez,
2009-NMSC-029, ¶ 21, 146 N.M. 331, 210 P.3d 228; see also Alberico, 116 N.M. at 168,
861 P.2d at 203-04 (adopting factors set forth in Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharm., Inc., 509
U.S. 579 (1993) for evaluating the admissibility of expert testimony involving scientific
evidence). Nevertheless, a district court is still required to ensure that the proposed
12
testimony is reliable. Torrez, 2009-NMSC-029, ¶ 21. “[W]hen testing the reliability of non-
scientific expert testimony, rather than testing an expert’s scientific methodology as required
under Daubert and Alberico, the court must evaluate a non-scientific expert’s personal
knowledge and experience to determine whether the expert’s conclusions on a given subject
may be trusted.” Id. While this inquiry is similar to determining whether the expert is
qualified, they are not identical because the inquiry under this factor is to “test the validity
of the expert’s conclusions.” Id. ¶ 22.
{39} It is not disputed in the record before us that there was stray voltage at the Rio Leche
Dairy before Precision Electric remedied the wiring installed by Snider Electric. Mr.
Stetson’s opinion that “[s]tray voltage harms milk cow production because it affects the
cow’s behavior, causing the cow to let down less than all her milk” is likewise not disputed.
Finally, it is not disputed that before Precision Electric did its work, the cows were reluctant
to enter the barn, and milking time took longer; after Precision did its work, milk production
improved dramatically. The question before us is whether Mr. Stetson’s opinion, based on
his knowledge, experience, and training that there was sufficient stray voltage in the Rio
Leche Dairy to affect milk production of the cows is sufficiently reliable under these facts
to be admissible. Our answer is in the affirmative. The subject of stray voltage, particularly
as it relates to dairy farms, has been addressed by many courts,3 some of which inform the
result we reach here.
{40} In Hoover’s Dairy, Inc., a dairy farmer obtained a jury verdict against the distributor
3
See Schlader v. Interstate Power Co., 591 N.W.2d 10, 12 (Iowa 1999), li`sting the
following cases: Federated Rural Elec. Ins. Co. v. Nationwide Mut. Ins. Co., 874 F. Supp.
1204 (D. Kan.1995) (case arose from the insured’s alleged failure to prevent or causing of
stray-voltage problems); Haile v. Arkansas Power & Light Co., 907 S.W.2d 122 (Ark. 1995)
(action brought against electric utility for damages suffered to cattle allegedly caused by
stray voltage); Hegg v. Hawkeye Tri-Cnty. REC, 512 N.W.2d 558, 559 (Iowa 1994) (per
curiam) (customers alleging damage to their dairy herd by stray voltage were alleging
continuing wrong and could recover for damages occurring within five-year statute of
limitation); Fox v. Interstate Power Co., 521 N.W.2d 762 (Iowa Ct. App.1994) (per curiam)
(dairy farmer argued against apportionment of fault in stray voltage case); ZumBerge v. N.
States Power Co., 481 N.W.2d 103 (Minn. Ct. App.1992) (consumers brought suit against
electric utility for damages resulting from stray voltage which injured their dairy herd);
Johnson v. Steele-Waseca Coop. Elec., 469 N.W.2d 517 (Minn. Ct. App.1991) (farmer sued
electric utility alleging damages to his cattle herd from stray voltage); Hoover’s Dairy, Inc.,
700 S.W.2d at 426 (purchaser of automatic milking system sued distributor and seller
alleging negligent installation for failure to test for stray voltage); Larson, 534 N.W.2d at
1 (farmer brought action against electric cooperative seeking recovery of damages to dairy
farm allegedly caused by stray voltage); Kuper v. Lincoln-Union Elec. Co., 1996 SD 145,
557 N.W.2d 748 (dairy farmers brought action against nonprofit rural electric cooperative
for damages allegedly caused by stray voltage).
13
and seller of the milking system for negligence in failing to test for stray voltage during its
installation. 700 S.W.2d at 428. The evidence showed that it had become generally known
in the industry that a potential stray voltage problem can result when installing a milking
system. Id. at 429. Further, the consequence of electrical shocks resulting from stray
voltage “is that the cows become nervous during milking time and may not give all their
milk. If milk remains in a cow’s udder, it may lead to a bacterial infection called mastitis.”
Id. Several weeks after the system was installed, the milking time of the cows increased, the
cows became nervous upon entering the barn, and there was an increase in an infection of
mastitis in the cows. Id. at 430. After observing that proof of proximate cause may be
established by either direct or circumstantial evidence, the court held that the evidence was
sufficient to support the jury’s finding of causation. Id. at 434. Specific to our case, the
court said:
[F]acts were introduced from which the jury could conclude that stray
voltage was present and caused the increase in mastitis. A number of expert
witnesses and numerous publications indicated that stray voltage could cause
mastitis in dairy cows, a fact virtually undisputed at trial. The symptoms
commonly observed as incidents to stray voltage were observed on
respondent’s dairy farm within weeks after the installation. Additionally,
there was a dramatic increase in mastitis shortly after the installation and
there was a[n] amelioration of the problem after eliminating the stray voltage.
The issue, therefore, was properly a jury question.
Id. (footnote omitted).
{41} Likewise, in Carpenter v. Consumer’s Power Co., 584 N.W.2d 375 (Mich. Ct. App.
1998), vacated on other grounds by 615 N.W.2d 17 (Mich. 2000), the dairy farmer obtained
a jury verdict against a power company for negligence in failing to discover and remedy
stray voltage. In this case, that evidence showed that cows may be reluctant to enter a barn
where stray voltage is present and that during milking, they may kick the milking equipment
and people. Id. at 378. In addition, they will produce less milk and will produce milk
unevenly, leaving milk in the udders, causing mastitis. Id. The dairy farmer’s cows
exhibited these symptoms, and after the stray voltage problem was corrected, the cows’
behavior returned to normal. Id. at 378-79. On appeal, the power company argued that the
evidence “merely demonstrated that stray voltage was present, but did not demonstrate any
act or omission on the part of [the power company] that caused harm to [the dairy farmer].”
Id. at 382. The court disagreed and concluded that the evidence supported the jury’s finding
that the power company’s negligence was the proximate cause of the dairy farmer’s
damages, stating:
There was also sufficient evidence to support a finding that
defendant’s breach of its duty was the proximate cause of plaintiffs’ injuries.
Expert witnesses, as well as defendant’s own pamphlet concerning the effects
of stray voltage on dairy farms, discussed the symptoms caused by the effects
14
of stray voltage in cows. The cows . . . displayed these symptoms.
Furthermore, there was evidence that [the] plaintiffs’ milk production
decreased in the years before the correction of the voltage problem.
Therefore, the trial court did not err in denying [the] defendant’s motion for
JNOV.
Id. at 382. In Schlader, the court concluded that expert testimony was not needed in a stray
voltage case. 591 N.W.2d at 14. It reasoned that while the subject of stray voltage is
technical, the nature of electricity and the results of contact with it by humans and animals
is not beyond a common person’s understanding. Id. In reversing summary judgment, the
court said:
A fact question is generated if reasonable minds can differ on how the issue
should be resolved. The [plaintiffs] cited evidence by the milking equipment
supplier that he discerned the voltage problems on their farm. There were
also depositions of analysts reciting that the isolator or block installed by [the
defendant] did decrease the voltage in the [plaintiffs’] milking parlor. There
was also testimony from a veterinarian that related the health problems
experienced by the [plaintiffs’] dairy herd. He also noted the improvement
in the milking herd after the block or insulator was installed. According the
[plaintiffs’] ‘every legitimate inference’ from their evidence, it cannot be said
they have failed to show injuries to the dairy herd resulting from electric
voltage in the milking parlor.
Id.
{42} While the foregoing cases focused on the sufficiency of the evidence rather than on
the admissibility of expert opinions, they are nonetheless persuasive on the question of the
reliability of Mr. Stetson’s opinions. His testimony regarding the behavior of cows affected
by stray voltage is similar to evidence presented in these other cases. Thus, Mr. Stetson
could properly rely on his extensive knowledge, education, training, and experience as an
agricultural engineer and unquestioned expertise on the effects of stray voltage on dairy
cows to express his opinion, based on the facts of the case, that Plaintiff’s dairy cows were
exposed to a sufficient amount of stray voltage to adversely affect their milk production.
{43} The district court agreed with JMAR that a condition for the admission of Mr.
Stetson’s opinions was measurable stray voltage meeting the threshold of 2 to 4 volts. We
conclude the district court erred in making this legal conclusion. While the absence of
measurable stray voltage meeting the threshold of 2 to 4 volts goes to the weight the jury
may give to his opinion, its absence does not make his opinion inadmissible. We therefore
reverse this order granting JMAR summary judgment.
III. CONCLUSION
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{44} The orders granting summary judgment to JMAR are reversed, and the case is
remanded for future proceedings consistent with this Opinion.
{45} IT IS SO ORDERED.
_____________________________________
MICHAEL E. VIGIL, Judge
WE CONCUR:
____________________________________
MICHAEL D. BUSTAMANTE, Judge
____________________________________
CYNTHIA A. FRY, Judge
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