Perez v. Lopez

74 S.W.3d 60, 2002 Tex. App. LEXIS 1709, 2002 WL 358458

• Court: Court of Appeals of Texas
• Decided: March 7, 2002
• Docket: 08-00-00242-CV
• Status: Published

Opinions

OPINION

RICHARD BARAJAS, Chief Justice.

This is a double appeal from a wrongful death and survival action arising from the death of Appellant’s minor son, Alberto Perez, Jr. At trial, Appellant alleged that Appellees, owners of ABC Lock and Key Company, were negligent in picking the locked trigger lock on a bolt action 30.06 rifle, at the minor’s request, without parental permission, consent or knowledge, and then returning the operational rifle to the minor who used it to commit suicide. For the reasons stated, we reverse the judgment of the trial court.

I. SUMMARY OF THE EVIDENCE

Alberto Perez, Jr. (“Albert”), a minor, contacted Appellees/Cross-Appellants, Albert Lopez and Rachel Lopez, owners of ABC Lock and Key Company in El Paso, Texas, and asked if they could make a new key for the trigger lock on a rifle because he did not have a key to the lock. Rachel told him that she could not make a new key, but that she could pick the lock for him if he brought the unloaded rifle to her shop and had proper identification. Albert took the unloaded rifle and his driver’s license to Appellees’ store. Rachel and Albert were “joking around” about what he intended to do with the gun. She asked, “You’re not going to go out there and rob anybody?” Albert responded, “No, I just want to go hunting.” Rachel stated that Albert started laughing after the exchange.

Albert Lopez, co-owner of ABC Lock and Key, knew that Albert was not eighteen, so he called his home to verify that he was in proper possession of the weapon. No one answered, no answering machine picked up the call, and he was never able to verify whether Albert was in proper possession of the rifle. Nevertheless, Rachel picked the lock after her husband instructed her to do so and returned the rifle to the minor after the $4 fee was paid.

The record shows that Appellant discovered the rifle (which belonged to his older son) in his house about a week before the suicide. Nonetheless, Appellant did not remove the newly discovered rifle or otherwise secure it from access by his minor son, Albert, Jr. On the day of the suicide, he took the rifle to work with him because several co-workers were interested in purchasing it. He discovered that the trigger lock had been removed. Appellant took the rifle home after his supervisor told him that he could not leave it at work. He returned it under the bed where he had found it, although he knew his minor son would be visiting his house that same day. Later that day, the minor took the rifle and committed suicide.

Appellant brought a negligence action against Appellees and sought damages for mental anguish and loss of companionship. The jury returned a verdict finding that both Appellees and Appellant were negligent and that their negligence was a proximate cause of Albert’s death. The jury allocated percentages of responsibility as follows: Albert Lopez, thirty-four percent (34%), Rachel Lopez, thirty-three percent (33%), and Alberto, Sr., thirty-three percent (33%). The jury found no damages for Alberto, Sr.’s past or future loss of companionship and no damages for his past or future mental anguish. The jury failed to find Appellees grossly negligent as well. The jury awarded the estate of Alberto, Jr., $5,000 for funeral and burial expenses. Appellees filed a Motion to Disregard the Jury Answers and Enter Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict, which was overruled by order of the trial court. Appellant filed his Motion for New Trial, which was overruled by operation of law. Both parties bring issues on appeal.

II. DISCUSSION

■Appellant brings four issues and Appel-lees bring one cross-issue. We address them in turn below.

A. Factual Insufficiency

An “insufficient evidence” or factual insufficiency issue involves a finding that is so against the great weight and preponderance of the evidence as to be manifestly wrong. The test for factual insufficiency issues is set forth in In re King’s Estate, 150 Tex. 662, 244 S.W.2d 660, 661-62 (1951). In reviewing an issue asserting that a finding is against the great weight and preponderance of the evidence, we must consider all of the evidence, both the evidence which tends to prove the existence of a vital fact, as well as evidence which tends to disprove its existence. It is for the jury to determine the weight to be given to the testimony and to resolve any conflicts in the evidence. See Carrasco v. Goatcher, 623 S.W.2d 769, 772 (Tex.App.-El Paso 1981, no writ). The jury’s finding should be sustained if there is some probative evidence to support it and provided it is not against the great weight and preponderance of the evidence. See id. Thus, we cannot substitute our judgment for that of the fact finder even if we find a fact contrary to that found by the jury. If, however, the verdict is so contrary to the great weight and preponderance of the evidence as to be manifestly unjust, the issue should be sustained.

In Issues No. One and Two Appellant Alberto Perez Sr. complains that the jury’s verdict of no damages for mental anguish in the past and future and no damages for loss of companionship and society was contrary to the overwhelming weight of the evidence or contrary to the uncontroverted evidence. Appellees argue that Appellant seeks to revive the “zero damages rule,” which requires the jury to award something for every element of damages proven.¹

Appellant testified that after his son’s death, he had trouble sleeping through the night. He admitted that he had some psychological problems prior to his son’s death and had been seeing Dr. Ambrose Aboud. Dr. Aboud testified that Appellant complained that he was depressed after Albert’s death. He stated that Appellant related symptoms such as sadness, crying, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, and early morning awakening. Dr. Aboud determined that Appellant was depressed and prescribed medication. The medication did not “cure” Appellant’s depression and Dr. Aboud offered to refer him to a psychiatrist. Appellant indicated to Dr. Aboud that it would be a shame to go to a psychiatrist; that it was a sign of weakness or failure. Dr. Aboud stated that Appellant remained depressed until his last office visit with him in July, 1998.

Irene Perez, Appellant’s daughter, testified that her father was distant and forgetful since her brother’s death. She stated that he was very active prior to the death. Ms. Perez stated that he used to do yard work and work on cars but that he had “let most of that go.” She stated that he looks very tired now, has aged a lot, and does not eat as much as he used to. Ms. Perez also testified that Appellant had an extremely hard time sleeping.

The jury is the sole judge of credibility and it is within their province to weigh the evidence and resolve any conflicts. The jury heard testimony from numerous witnesses and it was their function to accept or reject any, part, or all of the witnesses’s testimony and the evidence. We cannot substitute our conclusions for those of the jury and it certainly is not within the province of this Court to interfere with the jury’s resolution of conflicts in the evidence or to pass on the weight or credibility of the witnesses’s testimony. In considering all of the evidence, we do not find the verdict to be so contrary to the great weight and preponderance of the evidence as to be manifestly unjust. Issues No. One and Two are overruled.

B. Abuse of Discretion Standard of Review

“A [party] who attacks the ruling of a trial court as an abuse of discretion labors under a heavy burden.” Johnson v. Fourth Court of Appeals, 700 S.W.2d 916, 917 (Tex.1985) (orig.proeeed-ing). The test for abuse of discretion is not whether, in the opinion of this Court, the facts present an appropriate case for the trial court’s actions. Rather, it is a question of whether the court acted without reference to any guiding rules and principles. See Downer v. Aquamarine Operators, Inc., 701 S.W.2d 238, 241-42 (Tex.1985), cert. denied, 476 U.S. 1159, 106 S.Ct. 2279, 90 L.Ed.2d 721 (1986); Amador v. Tan, 855 S.W.2d 131, 133 (Tex.App.-El Paso 1993, writ denied). Another way of stating the test is whether the act was arbitrary or unreasonable. See Downer, 701 S.W.2d at 242 (citing Smithson v. Cessna Aircraft Co., 665 S.W.2d 439, 443 (Tex.1984)); Amador, 855 S.W.2d at 133. The mere fact that a trial court may decide a matter within its discretionary authority in a different manner than an appellate judge in a similar circumstance does not demonstrate that an abuse of discretion has occurred. See Downer, 701 S.W.2d at 242 (citing Southwestern Bell Telephone Co. v. Johnson, 389 S.W.2d 645, 648 (Tex.1965)). A mere error of judgment is not an abuse of discretion. See Loftin v. Martin, 776 S.W.2d 145, 146 (Tex.1989).

1. Evidentiary Error

In Issue No. Three, Appellant argues that the trial court erred in sustaining objections to questions to Appellee Albert Lopez regarding his knowledge of risks posed by providing an operational firearm to a minor. Appellees assert that Appellant has waived any error by failing to make an offer of proof showing how Albert Lopez would have answered the proffered questions and that this Court cannot determine whether the exclusion of the evidence rises to the level of harmful error. We agree.

To preserve error concerning the exclusion of evidence, the complaining party must actually offer the evidence and secure an adverse ruling from the court. See Johnson v. Garza, 884 S.W.2d 831, 834 (Tex.App.-Austin 1994, writ denied). While the reviewing court may be able to discern from the record the nature of the evidence and the propriety of the trial court’s ruling, without an offer of proof, we can never determine whether exclusion of the evidence was harmful. Thus, when evidence is excluded by the trial court, the proponent of the evidence must preserve the evidence in the record in order to complain of the exclusion on appeal. See Weng Enterprises, Inc. v. Embassy World Travel, Inc., 837 S.W.2d 217, 221 (Tex.App.-Houston [1st Dist.] 1992, no writ); Tex.R. Evid. 103. Compliance with the evidentiary rules on an offer of proof preserves error for appellate review. See Tex.R.App. P. 33.1(a)(1)(B). The reason for the offer of proof is explained in Anderson v. Higdon, 695 S.W.2d 320 (Tex.App.-Waco 1985, writ ref d n.r.e.):

When tendered evidence is excluded, whether testimony of one’s own witness on direct examination or testimony of the opponent’s witness on cross-examination, in order to later complain it is necessary for the complainant to make an offer of proof on a bill of exception to show what the witness’ [sic] testimony would have been. Otherwise, there is nothing before the appellate court to show reversible error in the trial court’s ruling.

Id. at 325; see also, Wyler Indus. Works, Inc. v. Garcia, 999 S.W.2d 494, 511 (Tex.App.-El Paso 1999, no pet.).

While Counsel for Appellant stated what she would have asked Lopez, she never made an offer of proof showing how he would have answered the proffered questions. Without those answers, we cannot determine whether the excluded evidence can be the basis for reversible error. Issue No. Three is overruled.

2. Jury Instruction Error

In Issue No. Four, Appellant contends that the trial court erred in refusing to tender his requested negligence per se instruction. Appellees maintain that the requested instruction did not apply to this case. We agree.

We review the court’s charge under an abuse of discretion standard. See Texas Dep’t of Human Services v. E.B., 802 S.W.2d 647, 649 (Tex.1990). The trial court’s failure to submit a requested instruction will constitute reversible error if the failure probably caused the rendition of an improper judgment. See Tex.R.App. P. 44.1(a)(1); Sanchez v. King, 932 S.W.2d 177, 182 (Tex.App.-El Paso 1996, no writ). Rule 273 provides that either party may present to the court and request written questions, definitions, and instructions to be given to the jury, and the court may give them or a part thereof, or may refuse to give them, as may be proper. See Tex.R. Civ. P. 273. The court shall submit such instructions and definitions as shall be proper to enable the jury to render a verdict. See Tex.R. Civ. P. 277. Furthermore, the court shall submit the questions, instructions, and definitions that are raised by the written pleadings and the evidence. See Tex.R. Civ. P. 278; Elbaor v. Smith, 845 S.W.2d 240, 243 (Tex.1992). An instruction is proper only if it (1) assists the jury, (2) accurately states the law, and (3) finds support in the pleadings and evidence. See McReynolds v. First Office Management, 948 S.W.2d 342, 344 (Tex.App.-Dallas 1997, no writ). The trial court has considerable discretion in submitting explanatory instructions and definitions to enable the jury to render a verdict. See Mobil Chemical Co. v. Bell, 517 S.W.2d 245, 256 (Tex.1974).

Appellant sought to have the jury instructed on negligence per se as a result of Appellees’ violation of Texas Penal Code Sections 46.01(3) and 46.06(a)(2). See Tex. PeN.Code Ann. §§ 46.01, 46.06 (Vernon 1994). Section 46.06(a)(2) provides:.

(a) A person commits an offense if the person:

(2) intentionally or knowingly sells, rents, leases, or gives or offers to sell, rent, lease, or give to any child younger than 18 years any firearm, club, or illegal knife;

Tex. Pen.Code Ann. § 46.06(a)(2) (Vernon 1994). A firearm is defined as follows:

any device designed, made, or adapted to expel a projectile through a barrel by using the energy generated by an explosion or burning substance or any device readily convertible to that use.

Tex. Pen.Code Ann. § 46.01(3) (Vernon 1994).

Appellant asserts that Albert was a child under the age of eighteen and falls within the class of persons intended to be protected by the statute. Appellant argues that because he proved a violation of the statute, that the rifle would not fire with the trigger lock in place, but was capable of firing a bullet or projectile after Appellees removed the trigger lock, and because Ap-pellees knew Albert was under the age of eighteen, the trial court erred in refusing to submit the instruction. Appellant provides no authority to support this contention and we are unaware of any.

Nonetheless, the Texas Supreme Court has held that not every penal statute creates an appropriate standard of care for civil liability purposes; therefore, a court is not required to adopt the penal statute’s standard. See Smith v. Merritt, 940 S.W.2d 602, 607 (Tex.1997) (citing Carter v. William Sommerville & Son, Inc., 584 S.W.2d 274, 278 (Tex.1979); Rudes v. Gottschalk, 159 Tex. 552, 324 S.W.2d 201, 204 (1959)). Thus, we fail to find that the trial court acted without reference to any guiding rules and principles and did not abuse its discretion in failing to submit Appellant’s requested instruction. Issue No. Four is overruled.

C. Cross-Issue

In their sole cross-issue, Appellees assert that the trial court erred in failing to grant their motion for directed verdict and motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict because there was no evidence that the minor’s suicide was foreseeable or that their acts were a cause in fact of the suicide. Appellant argues that the evidence establishes Appellees’ negligence was a cause in fact of his son’s death and that Appellees could foresee they were creating a dangerous situation for the minor and others.

The components of proximate cause are cause in fact and foreseeability. See Doe v. Boys Clubs of Greater Dallas, Inc., 907 S.W.2d 472, 477 (Tex.1995); Travis v. City of Mesquite, 830 S.W'2d 94, 98 (Tex.1992). These elements cannot be established by mere conjecture, guess, or speculation. See McClure v. Allied Stores of Texas, Inc., 608 S.W.2d 901, 903 (Tex.1980); Farley v. MM Cattle Co., 529 S.W.2d 751, 755 (Tex.1975). The test is whether the negligent act or omission was a substantial factor in bringing about injury, without which the harm would not have occurred. See Doe, 907 S.W.2d at 477. Cause in fact is not shown if the defendant’s negligence did no more than furnish a condition which made the injury possible. See Bell v. Campbell, 434 S.W.2d 117, 120 (Tex.1968). Foreseeability requires that a person of ordinary intelligence should have anticipated the danger created by a negligent act or omission. See Nixon v. Mr. Property Management Co., Inc., 690 S.W.2d 546, 549-50 (Tex.1985); Duran v. Furr’s Supermarkets, Inc., 921 S.W.2d 778, 790 (Tex.App.-El Paso 1996, writ denied). The danger of injury is foreseeable if its general character might reasonably have been anticipated. See Nixon, 690 S.W.2d at 550; Duran, 921 S.W.2d at 790. It asks whether the injury “might reasonably have been contemplated ...” as a result of the defendant’s conduct. McClure, 608 S.W.2d at 903.

Appellees cite Cowart v. Kmart Carp., 20 S.W.3d 779 (Tex.App.-Dallas 2000, pet. denied) as an instructive case. In Cowart, the survivors of an individual who was killed in a shooting incident brought a wrongful death action against Kmart for selling the ammunition used in the shooting. See id. at 782. In its motion for summary judgment, Kmart asserted that the shooter’s criminal conduct was an intervening and superseding cause of Co-wart’s death, and, “as such, [the alleged negligence of] Kmart was not the proximate cause of the injury to decedent.” Id. The trial court granted Kmart’s motion and the court of appeals affirmed, holding that, as a matter of law, Kmart’s action in selling the ammunition to the minors was not a proximate cause of the death, because Kmart could not have foreseen that the ammunition would have been used to kill someone. See id. at 785-86.

The court observed that although the likelihood that the ammunition will be used is foreseeable at the time it is sold, at most the kind of danger Kmart could foresee from the sale was misuse or mishandling resulting from the buyer being too young to appreciate the danger of the ammunition. See id. at 784. The court acknowledged that a minor’s ability to appreciate the danger of ammunition depends on the age of the minor. See id. However, because the minors in Cowart were seventeen years old, the court held they were old enough to appreciate the danger of negligent or intentional misuse of ammunition. See id.

Further, the court held there was no liability because Kmart could not foresee that the sale would result in negligent or intentional misuse of the ammunition by another, who was not a party to the sale. See id. at 785. The court found there was no evidence presented that should have alerted any Kmart employee that the minors would put the bullets in the hand of someone who would engage in criminal conduct. See id. at 786. The court also found that the acts directly leading to Co-wart’s shooting constituted an extraordinary, not a normal, sequence of events that was initiated after Kmart’s sale of the ammunition. See id. at 785.

In the case at bar, it is undisputed that Albert committed suicide. Thus, we must determine whether there was any evidence presented that his death was foreseeable. Appellees testified that Albert did not do or say anything that led them to believe or suspect he was going to commit suicide. Omar Ramos, Albert’s best friend, was with Albert at Appellee’s shop and confirmed their testimony. Appellant and Albert’s sister and mother testified that they had no idea that Albert was depressed or that he was considering suicide. Ramos testified that he knew Albert was upset, but he didn’t tell anyone about it. Based on this testimony, there is no evidence that Albert said or did anything to put Appel-lees on notice of his intent to commit suicide. The evidence established that Albert’s suicide was not foreseeable to his family. Likewise, the evidence established that it was not foreseeable to Appellees. Appellant was required to present some evidence that Appellees had notice that Albert intended to commit suicide. In failing to present such evidence, Appellant did not meet his burden of proof. Thus, the trial court erred in failing to grant Appel-lees’ directed verdict. Appellees’ Cross-Issue is sustained.

Having overruled each of Appellant’s issues on review, but further having sustained Appellees’ cross-point that there was no evidence of foreseeability or proximate cause, we reverse, the judgment of the trial court and render judgment in favor of Appellees’ Cross Appellants.

1 . In Lowery v. Berry, 153 Tex. 411, 269 S.W.2d 795 (1954), the Court upheld a decision of the Court of Civil Appeals reversing a judgment that a minor take nothing based on a jury finding of no damages because the undisputed facts disclosed that the minor had suffered damages and accordingly the answer of the jury should be disregarded. The "zero damages rule” is not a rule of damages. Rather, it is a common name for a challenge to negative jury findings as to damages based on the great weight and preponderance of the evidence, which requires the appellate court to follow standard rules in considering the challenge.

In reversing a judgment based on jury findings of zero damages for past physical pain and mental anguish, the Dallas Court of Appeals stated the appropriate standard of review in Monroe v. Grider, 884 S.W.2d 811, 820 (Tex.App.-Dallas 1994, writ denied). In our analysis, we are to consider all of the evidence, both favorable and contrary to the findings, and reverse and remand for a new trial only if the verdict is so against the great weight and preponderance of the evidence that it is manifestly unjust. See In re Kings Estate, 150 Tex. 662, 244 S.W.2d 660, 661 (1951).