in Re BNSF Railway Company

• Court: Court of Appeals of Texas
• Decided: January 31, 2008
• Docket: 09-07-00538-CV
• Status: Published

Opinion

In The

Court of Appeals

Ninth District of Texas at Beaumont

______________________

NO. 09-07-538 CV

IN RE BNSF RAILWAY COMPANY

Original Proceeding

MEMORANDUM OPINION

BNSF Railway Company filed a petition for a writ of mandamus to compel the trial court to vacate its order requiring that BNSF produce documents requested by real party in interest Sidney Holmes. In a single issue, BNSF argues it was ordered to provide unlimited information and documents that were outside the scope of permissible discovery. We conditionally grant the petition in part.

Holmes sued BNSF under the Federal Employers' Liability Act to recover for personal injuries and damages resulting from an alleged occupational injury. See 45 U.S.C.A. §§ 51-60 (West 1986 & Supp. 2006). Holmes claims the following:

Plaintiff was employed by BNSF, including its predecessor-in-interest, from approximately 1955 until 1999 in various capacities including Brakeman, Switchman, and Conductor at Defendant Railroad's facilities located in Hardin County, Texas, and elsewhere. Throughout the course of his employment, Plaintiff was exposed to various ergonomic risk factors to his legs. Plaintiff's cumulative and/or repetitive exposure to these ergonomic risk factors throughout the course of his employment with BNSF resulted in disorders of the musculoskeletal and/or nervous systems, including but not limited to total knee replacements.

Pursuant to a Rule 11 agreement, BNSF produced a list of files responsive to a search of BNSF's internal database of the term "ergonomics," and a list of videos from its video library. Holmes submitted a request for production for "[a] full and complete copy of all documents pertaining to" the fifty files listed in BNSF's index of search results for ergonomics. Holmes also requested twenty-three videos from the video list. BNSF asserted the following objections to each request:

This Request is overly broad, unduly burdensome, and harassing. This request likely encompasses information privileged as attorney client communications, and/or work product. This Request does not attempt to limit the scope of materials to occupations, locations, activities, diagnoses, theories of liability, or time frames of relevance to this case[.] The materials requested are irrelevant and the scope of the request exceeds the boundaries of relevant discovery and is not reasonably tailored to include only matters relevant to the case[.]

BNSF filed a motion for protection in which it argued that Holmes improperly sought documents that were "outside the scope of discovery," and "clearly labeled as work product[.]"

Holmes argued that his first fifty requests were proper because they related to ergonomics. Holmes claimed that the requests for the videos were proper because they "related to cumulative trauma, ergonomics, ergonomic program implementation, job duties, job tasks and safety." At the hearing on Holmes's motion to compel, the trial court overruled BNSF's objections and ordered that BNSF respond to the requests and produce the requested material.

Mandamus

Mandamus relief is appropriate when a trial court abuses its discretion and there is no adequate remedy by appeal. In re Prudential Ins. Co. of Am., 148 S.W.3d 124, 135-36 (Tex. 2004). The party resisting discovery has the burden to establish both requirements. In re CSX Corp., 124 S.W.3d 149, 151 (Tex. 2003). The trial court abuses its discretion when it orders discovery exceeding the scope permitted by the rules of procedure. Id. at 152. No adequate remedy by appeal is available when a trial court erroneously compels production of overly broad discovery. In re TIG Ins. Co., 172 S.W.3d 160, 171 (Tex. App.--Beaumont 2005, orig. proceeding).

Scope of Discovery

The Supreme Court has stated, "Discovery is a tool to make the trial process more focused, not a weapon to make it more expensive." In re Allstate County Mut. Ins. Co., 227 S.W.3d 667, 668 (Tex. 2007). Generally, a party may obtain discovery relating to any matter that is not privileged and that is relevant to the subject matter of the pending action. Tex. R. Civ. P. 192.3(a). Discovery is not a "fishing expedition," however. K Mart Corp. v. Sanderson, 937 S.W.2d 429, 431 (Tex. 1996). Requests must be reasonably tailored to include only matters relevant to the case. In re Am. Optical Corp., 988 S.W.2d 711, 713 (Tex. 1998).

A request for all documents relevant to a lawsuit is overly broad. Tex. R. Civ. P. 193 cmt. 2. A discovery request that is unlimited as to time, place, or subject matter is overly broad as a matter of law. See In re Am. Optical, 988 S.W.2d at 713 (holding that trial court's ruling to produce every document relating to asbestos for a fifty-year period was impermissibly broad); Dillard Dep't Stores, Inc. v. Hall, 909 S.W.2d 491, 492 (Tex. 1995) (holding that request for Dillard to perform a search for documents covering a five-year time period and twenty states was overly broad as a matter of law); Texaco, Inc. v. Sanderson, 898 S.W.2d 813, 815 (Tex. 1995) (holding that a request for all documents written by safety director on the subject of safety, without limitation as to time, place or subject matter, is overly broad).

Request Numbers 1-50

BNSF argues the requests were not properly narrowed in scope to Holmes's knee injury and Holmes improperly requested information relating to body parts and muscle systems not at issue in this lawsuit. BNSF contends the requests concern crafts and mechanisms of injury not at issue in this case, and were not limited to Holmes's length of employment.

As worded, the requests seek anything that may have been generated in relation to the fifty files. The request for production -- asking for "[a] full and complete copy of all documents pertaining to" the fifty files -- defines "documents" as follows:

'Documents' as used herein includes, but is not limited to, any note, correspondence, contracts or agreements, financial statements, computer printouts, balance sheets, income statements, real estate documents, records, notices, confirmations, appraisals, prospectuses, notations or memoranda of any sort of communications, invoices, diaries, analyses, offers, worksheets (and all drafts, preliminary versions, alterations, modifications, revisions, changes and amendments of any of the foregoing), graphic or oral records or representations of any kind, other written, printed, typed or other graphic recorded matter of any kind or nature, however produced or reproduced, and whether preserved in writing, film or record, computer disk, laser disk, compact disk, film, tape, videotape, computer card or magnetic media, computer database(s), or any form, which are in your possession, custody or control.

The request has a separate definition for "document" and provides as follows:

'Document' shall mean each of the following that is in the possession, custody, or control of Defendant named above or that can be obtained by the party through the exercise of a superior right to compel production from a third person; the original and each non-identical copy (whether different from the original by virtue of notes made or otherwise) and, if the original is not in existence or subject to your control, each non-identical copy, regardless of origin or locations, of any handwritten, typewritten, printed, recorded, transcribed, punched, taped, photocopied, photostatic, telecopied, filmed, microfilmed, or otherwise prepared matter, including without limitation drafts, however produced or reproduced, and further including without limitation any and all records, reports, memoranda, minutes of meetings, notes, letters, telegrams, telexes, cables, mailgrams, contracts, photographs, films, tapes, transcripts, correspondence, financial statements, computer printouts, worksheets, electronic recordings, purchase orders, invoices, receipts, ledgers, books and records, vouchers, canceled checks, agreements, tables, charts, graphs, compilations, tabulations, regulations, files, pamphlets, papers, notations, transcriptions or tapes of telephone conversations or meetings, specifications, plans, drawings, working plans, design information, engineering reports or information, and any other data compilation from which information can be obtained or translated into reasonably usable form, and all drafts of the foregoing.

The discovery requests are not reasonably tailored. The requests for production are not limited to ergonomics issues related to knee injuries, or to employment conditions related to Holmes's employment as a brakeman, switchman, and conductor. Several requests seek documents related to back injuries, for example. Holmes does not explain why these are needed. Some requests seek documents related to a holding tank, clerical hazards, office safety, a diesel wash facility, locomotive horns, and noise exposure. Holmes asserts that he was employed from 1955 to 1999, yet the production requests are not limited to any particular time frame.

The requesting party has the responsibility to reasonably tailor its production requests, and the trial court must make an effort to impose reasonable discovery limits. See In re Allstate County Mut. Ins. Co., 227 S.W.3d at 668; In re Sears, Roebuck & Co., 146 S.W.3d 328, 331, 333 (Tex. App.--Beaumont 2004, orig. proceeding). On their face, the first fifty discovery requests here are not tailored to the issues in the lawsuit and are overly broad. The requests in this case are the kind of "fishing expedition" the Supreme Court has repeatedly struck down. See K Mart Corp., 937 S.W.2d at 431. The trial court abused its discretion in ordering that BNSF produce all documents responsive to the first fifty document requests. See In re CSX, 124 S.W.3d at 152.

Request Numbers 51-73

In request numbers fifty-one through seventy-three, Holmes sought "[a] full and complete copy" of twenty-three specific videos from BNSF's video library list. BNSF asserted an objection that the requests were overly broad, burdensome, sought privileged information, were irrelevant, and were unlimited in scope. Unlike the first fifty requests, these requests ask for specific items and most of the requests do not appear overly broad on their face. BNSF did not present any evidence to the trial court that the requests for specific videos were overly broad, burdensome, irrelevant, or unlimited in scope. See Tex. R. Civ. P. 193.4(a). Videos unrelated to the type of mechanism of injury or work performed by Holmes would, like the document requests, be outside the scope of discovery. On the record presented, however, we do not find an abuse of discretion by the trial court in overruling the objections to the requests for specific videos which were not, on their face, overly broad, burdensome, irrelevant, or unlimited in scope.

Privilege and Attorney Work Product

BNSF asserted objections to all seventy-three requests as requesting privileged communications or work product. BNSF argues the trial court erred in requiring it to produce privileged and protected information. Four requests sought documents that were labeled "Attorney Work Product." Holmes argues that BNSF failed to make a prima facie showing of attorney core work product and attorney-client privilege.

Rule 193.2(f) provides that a party should not object to a discovery request on the grounds that it calls for production of material that is privileged but should instead comply with Rule 193.3. Tex. R. Civ. P. 193.2(f); see also Tex. R. Civ. P. 193.3. A party objecting to the production of privileged material does not waive the privilege but must comply with Rule 193.3 when the error is pointed out. Tex. R. Civ. P. 193.2(f); see also Tex. R. Civ. P. 193.3.

At the hearing on the motion to compel, neither party addressed the specific subject of attorney work product or privilege. The hearing focused on whether the requests were reasonably tailored to the subject matter of the litigation. BNSF asked the trial court to protect it until Holmes tailored his requests to the scope of the litigation. ⁽¹⁾ On the record presented in this case, it appears the issues of attorney work product and privilege have not yet been addressed by the trial court. See, e.g., In re TIG Ins. Co., 172 S.W.3d at 169-70 (issue of attorney work product not properly before trial court where neither party addressed the privilege at the hearing and the parties had not yet followed procedures under Rule 193.3). BNSF was entitled to a ruling on its objections asserted under Rule 193.2 before pursuing its privileges under Rule 193.3. See In re Lincoln Elec. Co., 91 S.W.3d 432, 437 (Tex. App.--Beaumont 2002, orig. proceeding). BNSF has not waived its privileges and may proceed pursuant to Rule 193.3. See TIG Ins. Co., 172 S.W.3d at 170 (stating that parties may proceed under Rule 193.3 when the record showed the issue of attorney work product was not properly before trial court).

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration Act

BNSF argues that the requests seeking reports relating to The Occupational Safety and Health Administration Act (OSHA) were improper because OSHA is not applicable to this case. BNSF asserts that some of the reports may contain private medical information for individuals who are not parties to this lawsuit. BNSF did not make this objection to the trial court and argues it for the first time in its petition for mandamus. We find no abuse of discretion in the trial court's failing to rule on an issue not presented to it. See Tex. R. App. P. 33.1(h).

Nevertheless, the trial court must be vigilant in ensuring the protection of the interests of nonparties who have no opportunity to be heard. In re Christus Health Se. Tex., 167 S.W.3d 596, 603 (Tex. App.--Beaumont 2005, orig. proceeding). We are confident the trial court will consider the interests of nonparties, who are unaware of this litigation, in maintaining the confidentiality of their medical and other privileged records, and will enter any necessary and appropriate protective order. See id.

Motion for Sanctions

Holmes filed a motion for sanctions in this Court arguing BNSF failed to act in good faith in this proceeding. See Tex. R. App. P. 52.11. Because we find that the petition was not clearly groundless or filed solely for the purpose of delay, the motion for sanctions asserting that basis is denied. See id.

Holmes further contends that the certificate of service was incorrect, and he was not informed BNSF intended to file a motion for emergency relief. See Tex. R. App. 52.10(a). The Rules of Appellate Procedure authorize the court to grant temporary relief, without notice, on the initiative of the court or on motion of any party. Tex. R. App. P. 52.10(b). In this case, we did not request a response to the motion before granting the temporary stay pending our review of the issues.

The Rule requires relator to "make a diligent effort to notify all parties by expedited means" of a motion and certify compliance to the Court before temporary relief will be granted. Tex. R. App. P. 52.10(a). Service by certified mail is not calculated to provide expedited notice of the filing of the motion. The Rule indicates that relator should, for example, telephone or fax the information. See id.

The certificate on the emergency motion states that the motion was faxed, but the motion for sanctions and response now establish BNSF did not fax the motion for temporary relief to the correct number until the day after the order was signed. The affidavit filed by BNSF indicates that a member of counsel's staff inadvertently used an address for a different law firm to mail the petition. This Court takes seriously any noncompliance with the notification requirement and may issue sanctions in appropriate circumstances. See Tex. R. App. P. 52.11. The noncompliance in this case appears to be unintentional. We decline under the circumstances to assess sanctions on the record presented. See In re Lerma, 144 S.W.3d 21, 29 (Tex. App.--El Paso 2004, orig. proceeding) (declining to impose sanctions for an "inadvertent mistake").

Conclusion

The trial court abused its discretion in ordering BNSF to comply with the first fifty requests because they were overly broad on their face as a matter of law. The petition for writ of mandamus is conditionally granted as it relates to these requests. We are confident the trial court will proceed in compliance with this opinion. The writ will issue only if the trial court fails to take appropriate action in accordance with this opinion.

PETITION CONDITIONALLY GRANTED IN PART, AND DENIED IN PART. PER CURIAM

Submitted on November 8, 2007

Opinion Delivered January 31, 2008

Before McKeithen, C.J., Gaultney and Kreger, JJ.

1. Overly broad requests are improper whether they request privileged information or not. See In re Allstate Country Mut. Ins. Co., 227 S.W.3d 667, 670 (Tex. 2007) (noting that because overly broad requests are improper whether they are burdensome or not, the defendants did not have to detail why the requests were burdensome to preserve objection). A party may assert an objection that a request is overly broad under Rule 193.2, have that objection ruled upon, and then make any assertion of privilege under Rule 193.3 in response to properly tailored discovery requests, without waiving the privilege. In re Lincoln Elec. Co., 91 S.W.3d 432, 437 (Tex. App.--Beaumont 2002, orig. proceeding).