Malone v. Foster, 977 S.W.2d 562 (Tex. 1998). · Go Syfert
Malone v. Foster, 977 S.W.2d 562 (Tex. 1998). Cases Citing This Book View Copy Cite
144 citation events (126 in the last 25 years) across 2 distinct courts.
Strongest positive: Greenwood Motor Lines, Inc. D/B/A R+L Carriers and Steven C. Gaston v. Bobbie Bush (texapp, 2016-08-17)
Treatment trajectory · 1998 → 2026 · click a year to view as-of
1998 2012 2026
Top citers, strongest first. 50 distinct citers. How cited ↗
cited Cited as authority (rule) Greenwood Motor Lines, Inc. D/B/A R+L Carriers and Steven C. Gaston v. Bobbie Bush
Tex. App. · 2016 · confidence medium
Malone v. Foster, 977 S.W.2d 562, 564 (Tex. 1998).
cited Cited as authority (rule) In re M.G.N.
Tex. App. · 2016 · confidence medium
Malone v. Foster, 977 S.W.2d 562, 564 (Tex.1998); Swap Shop v. Fortune, 365 S.W.2d 151, 154 (Tex.1963); Compton, 364 S.W.2d at 182 . 3, Venireman J.T. and Trial Court Findings .
cited Cited as authority (rule) Sylvia Roger, Individually and as Personal Representative of the Estate of Jean Louis Roger, Sr. v. Benjamin Karl Mumme, Jr. and Cameron International Corporation
Tex. App. · 2015 · confidence medium
Malone v. Foster, 977 S.W.2d 562, 564 (Tex. 1998).
cited Cited as authority (rule) in the Interest of M.G.N. and A.C.N., Minor Children
Tex. App. · 2015 · confidence medium
Malone v. Foster, 977 S.W.2d 562, 564 (Tex. 1998); Swap Shop v. Fortune, 365 S.W.2d 151, 154 (Tex. 1963); Compton, 364 S.W.2d at 182 . 3.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Shamark Smith Limited Partnership, Sharon D. Marcus, and Paul J. Smith v. Martin M. Longoria
Tex. App. · 2015 · confidence medium
Malone v. Foster, 977 S.W.2d 562, 564 (Tex. 1998).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Korlynn v. Obey and Barbara Henderson, Individually and on Behalf of the Estate of Treavor M. Obey, and on Behalf of All Wrongful Death Beneficiaries of Treavor M. Obey, Including, but Not Limited To, Korlynn v. Obey and Barbara Hender v. Audencio Alanis, M.D. and East Houston Surgical Associates, P.A.
Tex. App. · 2013 · confidence medium
Malone v. Foster, 977 S.W.2d 562, 564 (Tex. 1998). 6 To disqualify a potential juror for bias or prejudice as a matter of law, the record must conclusively show that the potential juror’s state of mind led to the natural inference that he could not act with impartiality.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Solomon v. Steitler
Tex. App. · 2010 · confidence medium
Malone v. Foster, 977 S.W.2d 562, 564 (Tex.1998).
cited Cited as authority (rule) George D. Solomon and Wife, Jini Solomon v. Perry Steitler, D/B/A North East Texas Land & Timber, Larry Bullard, and Tina Bullard
Tex. App. · 2010 · confidence medium
Malone v. Foster, 977 S.W.2d 562, 564 (Tex. 1998).
cited Cited as authority (rule) George D. Solomon and Wife, Jini Solomon v. Perry Steitler, D/B/A North East Texas Land & Timber, Larry Bullard, and Tina Bullard
Tex. App. · 2010 · confidence medium
Malone v. Foster , 977 S.W.2d 562, 564 (Tex. 1998).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Adobe Land Corp. v. GRIFFIN, LLC (2×) also: Cited "see"
Tex. App. · 2007 · confidence medium
However, allegations of spoliation do not give rise to an independent cause of action under Texas law, Trevino v. Ortega, 969 S.W.2d 950, 953 (Tex.1998); Malone v. Foster, 977 S.W.2d 562, 563 (Tex.1998), and, accordingly, do not constitute claims subject to attack by way of a no-evidence motion for summary judgment.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Trahan v. Lone Star Title Co. of El Paso
Tex. App. · 2007 · confidence medium
Cantu, 195 S.W.3d at 871 , citing Malone v. Foster, 956 S.W.2d 573, 579 (Tex.App.-Dallas 1997), affirmed on other grounds, 977 S.W.2d 562 *285 (Tex.1998); see also Larson v. Family Violence & Sexual Assault Prevention Ctr. of S. Tex., 64 S.W.3d 506, 513-14 (Tex.App.-Corpus Christi 2001, pet. denied).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Adobe Land Corporation Adobe Cattle Company (A General Partnership) Cherry Creek Farms (A General Partnership) Vanguard Ag Services, Inc. And Adobe Irrigation and Ag Services, L.L.C. v. Griffin, L.L.C. (2×) also: Cited "see"
Tex. App. · 2007 · confidence medium
However, allegations of spoliation do not give rise to an independent cause of action under Texas law, Trevino v. Ortega , 969 S.W.2d 950, 953 (Tex. 1998); Malone v. Foster , 977 S.W.2d 562, 563 (Tex. 1998), and, accordingly, do not constitute claims subject to attack by way of a no-evidence motion for summary judgment.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Mike Seymour Mount v. State
Tex. App. · 2007 · confidence medium
Tex. Gov = t Code Ann. ' 62.105(4) (Vernon Supp. 2005); Malone v. Foster, 977 S.W.2d 562, 564 (Tex. 1998).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Mount v. State (2×)
Tex. App. · 2007 · confidence medium
Tex. Gov’t Code Ann. § 62.105(4) (Vernon Supp.2005); Malone v. Foster, 977 S.W.2d 562, 564 (Tex.1998).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Mark Irwin Stevens v. Lynn Stevens
Tex. App. · 2006 · confidence medium
See id. at 93; Malone v. Foster , 977 S.W.2d 562, 564 (Tex. 1998).
cited Cited as authority (rule) General Motors Corporation v. Burry
Tex. App. · 2006 · confidence medium
See id. at 93 ; Malone v. Foster, 977 S.W.2d 562, 564 (Tex.1998).
examined Cited as authority (rule) Hyundai Motor Co. v. Vasquez (4×) also: Cited "see, e.g."
Tex. · 2006 · signal: cf. · confidence medium
Cf. Hallett, 689 S.W.2d at 889 (noting that, "[a]bsent such notice to the trial court, [a party] waive[s] any error committed by the court in its refusal to discharge those jurors who were challenged for cause"). [77] Malone, 977 S.W.2d 562, 564 (Tex.1998) ("If prejudice is not established as a matter of law, the trial court makes a factual determination as to whether the venire member should be disqualified."); Swap Shop v. Fortune, 365 S.W.2d 151, 154 (Tex.1963) (deferring to trial court's decision to overrule a motion for mistrial which alleged a juror was biased because "[t]he trial court …
cited Cited as authority (rule) Randy D. Greer and Keith D. Johnson v. Samuel Seales
Tex. App. · 2006 · confidence medium
Malone v. Foster , 977 S.W.2d 562, 564 (Tex. 1998); Sullemon v. U.S. Fidelity & Guar.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Julio Carrillo, Indivdually and as Representative of the Estate of Guadalupe Carrillo, Carlo Carrillo and Rosa Carrillo v. Star Tool, Company
Tex. App. · 2005 · confidence medium
Malone v. Foster , 977 S.W.2d 562, 564 (Tex. 1998).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Cortez Ex Rel. Estate of Puentes v. HCCI-San Antonio Inc. (2×)
Tex. App. · 2004 · confidence medium
See Tex. Gov’t Code Ann. § 62.105(4) (Vernon 2003); Malone v. Foster, 977 S.W.2d 562, 564 (Tex.1998).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Gloria Styers v. Schindler Elevator Corporation
Tex. App. · 2003 · confidence medium
Tex. Gov't Code Ann. § 62.105 (Vernon 1998); Malone v. Foster , 977 S.W.2d 562, 564 (Tex. 1998).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Styers v. Schindler Elevator Corp.
Tex. App. · 2003 · confidence medium
Tex. Gov’t Code Ann. § 62.105 (Vernon 1998); Malone v. Foster, 977 S.W.2d 562, 564 (Tex.1998).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. v. Johnson
Tex. · 2003 · confidence medium
Transp. v. Gonzalez, 82 S.W.3d 322, 330 (Tex.2002) (unnecessary to decide whether spoliation instruction was erroneous); Trevino, 969 S.W.2d at 952 (mentioning but not applying this remedy); Malone v. Foster, 977 S.W.2d 562, 563 (Tex.1998) (mentioning adverse inference associated with spoliation); Curtis, 15 S.W. at 155 (same).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Buls v. Fuselier (2×)
Tex. App. · 2001 · confidence medium
Malone v. Foster, 977 S.W.2d 562, 564 (Tex.1998); Swap Shop v.. Fortune, 365 S.W.2d 151, 154 (Tex.1963); Excel Corp. v. Apodaca, 2001 WL 261663, at *1-2 .
cited Cited as authority (rule) Kristan Pennington v. Paul Cherry
Tex. App. · 2001 · confidence medium
Malone v. Foster , 977 S.W.2d 562, 564 (Tex. 1998).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Kristan Pennington v. Paul Cherry
Tex. App. · 2001 · confidence medium
Malone v. Foster, 977 S.W.2d 562, 564 (Tex. 1998).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Kristan Pennington v. Paul Cherry
Tex. App. · 2001 · confidence medium
Malone v. Foster , 977 S.W.2d 562, 564 (Tex. 1998).
cited Cited as authority (rule) in the Interest of A. C., M. C., and D. C., Minor Children
Tex. App. · 2001 · confidence medium
Malone v. Foster, 977 S.W.2d 562, 564 (Tex. 1998).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Excel Corp. v. Apodaca (2×)
Tex. App. · 2001 · confidence medium
Malone v. Foster, 977 S.W.2d 562, 564 (Tex.1998); Swap Shop v. Fortune, 365 S.W.2d 151, 154 (Tex.1963).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Nava, Rose Mary and Salvador A. Carrillo v. Central Power and Light
Tex. App. · 2000 · confidence medium
Malone v. Foster , 977 S.W.2d 562, 564 (Tex. 1998); Goode v. Shoukfeh , 943 S.W.2d 441, 443 (Tex. 1997).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Houghton v. Port Terminal RR Ass'n
Tex. App. · 1999 · confidence medium
See Tex. Gov’t Code § 62.105(4); Malone v. Foster, 977 S.W.2d 562, 564 (Tex.1998).
discussed Cited "see" Roberto Alonzo and New Prime, Inc. v. Christine John and Christopher Lewis (2×)
Tex. App. · 2022 · signal: see · confidence high
See Malone v. Foster, 977 S.W.2d 562, 564 (Tex. 1998) (citing Swap Shop v. Fortune, 365 S.W.2d 151, 154 (Tex. 1963) (noting that the trial court is in a better position than an appellate court to evaluate a juror’s sincerity and capacity for fairness and impartiality)). 3.
cited Cited "see" Norman Clarence Tolpo v. Mary Craver Denny
Tex. App. · 2015 · signal: see · confidence high
See McInnes v. Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., 673 S.W.2d 185, 187 (Tex. 1984), aff'd, 977 S.W.2d 562 (Tex. 1998).
discussed Cited "see" Azle Manor, Inc. v. Patty Patterson and Pamela Beavers, Individually as Representatives of The Estate of Mary Ann Davis
Tex. App. · 2015 · signal: see · confidence high
See Malone v. Foster, 956 S.W.2d 573 , 577 nurses, Gloria Thompson, [**25] was asked by Joan (Tex.App.--Dallas 1997), aff'd, 977 S.W.2d 562 (Tex. Adams, the assistant director of nursing, to recopy a 1998).
cited Cited "see" Kristen Aleia Simpson v. State
Tex. App. · 2014 · signal: see · confidence high
See Malone v. Foster, 977 S.W.2d 562, 564 (Tex. 1998).
cited Cited "see" Res-TX Boulevard, L.L.C. v. Boulevard Builders/Citta Townhomes, LP
Tex. App. · 2014 · signal: see · confidence high
See Ashcraft v. Lookadoo, –2– 952 S.W.2d 907, 910 (Tex. App.—Dallas 1997) (en banc), pet. denied, 977 S.W.2d 562 (Tex. 1998) (per curiam).
cited Cited "see" in the Interest of J.H.M, a Child
Tex. App. · 2009 · signal: see · confidence high
See Malone v. Foster , 977 S.W.2d 562, 564 (Tex. 1998).
cited Cited "see" in the Interest of J.H.M, a Child
Tex. App. · 2009 · signal: see · confidence high
See Malone v. Foster , 977 S.W.2d 562, 564 (Tex. 1998).
cited Cited "see" in the Interest of J.H.M, a Child
Tex. App. · 2009 · signal: see · confidence high
See Malone v. Foster, 977 S.W.2d 562, 564 (Tex. 1998).
cited Cited "see" Rodriguez v. State
Tex. App. · 2009 · signal: see · confidence high
See id.
cited Cited "see" Alton Armstrong v. State
Tex. App. · 2009 · signal: see · confidence high
See Malone v. Foster , 956 S.W.2d 573, 579 (Tex.App.–Dallas 1997), aff’d , 977 S.W.2d 562 (1998).
cited Cited "see" Southwestern Bell Telephone Co. v. Combs
Tex. App. · 2008 · signal: see · confidence high
See Malone v. Foster, 956 S.W.2d 573, 579 (Tex.App.-Dallas 1997), aff'd, 977 S.W.2d 562 (Tex.1998).
cited Cited "see" Southwestern Bell Telephone Company v. Susan Combs, Successor to Carole Strayhorn, Comptroller of Public Accounts of the State of Texas And Greg Abbott, Attorney General of the State of Texas
Tex. App. · 2008 · signal: see · confidence high
See Malone v. Foster, 956 S.W.2d 573, 579 (Tex.App.–Dallas 1997), aff’d, 977 S.W.2d 562 (1998).
cited Cited "see" Southwestern Bell Telephone Company v. Susan Combs, Successor to Carole Strayhorn, Comptroller of Public Accounts of the State of Texas And Greg Abbott, Attorney General of the State of Texas
Tex. App. · 2008 · signal: see · confidence high
See Malone v. Foster , 956 S.W.2d 573, 579 (Tex.App.–Dallas 1997), aff’d , 977 S.W.2d 562 (1998).
cited Cited "see" Southwestern Bell Telephone Company v. Susan Combs, Successor to Carole Strayhorn, Comptroller of Public Accounts of the State of Texas And Greg Abbott, Attorney General of the State of Texas
Tex. App. · 2008 · signal: see · confidence high
See Malone v. Foster , 956 S.W.2d 573, 579 (Tex.App.–Dallas 1997), aff’d , 977 S.W.2d 562 (1998).
discussed Cited "see" In Re Estate of Miller
Tex. App. · 2008 · signal: see · confidence high
See Malone v. Foster, 956 S.W.2d 573, 577-78 (Tex.App.-Dallas 1997) (citing MeInnes, 673 S.W.2d at 187 ) (rejecting argument that deposition on file with trial court is a sufficient bill of exceptions), aff'd, 977 S.W.2d 562 (Tex.1998).
cited Cited "see" Smith v. Dean
Tex. App. · 2007 · signal: see · confidence high
See Malone v. Foster, 977 S.W.2d 562, 564 (Tex.1998).
Retrieving the full opinion text from the archive…
James Milton MALONE, James D. Malone, Milton C. Malone, Phillip G. Malone, and Mary Elizabeth Johnson, Petitioners,
v.
Christopher FOSTER, M.D., Bill Christensen, M.D., and Baylor University Medical Center, Respondents
97-0661.
Texas Supreme Court.
Jun 5, 1998.
977 S.W.2d 562
Charles McGarry, Dallas, for Petitioners., James M. Stewart, Joann M. Wilkins, Richard F. Werstein, Dallas, for Respondents.
Enoch, Phillips, Gonzalez, Hecht, Spector, Owen, Abbott, Hankinson, Baker.
Cited by 53 opinions  |  Published

Lead Opinion

ENOCH, Justice,

delivered the opinion of the Court,

in which PHILLIPS, Chief Justice, and GONZALEZ, HECHT, SPECTOR, OWEN, ABBOTT, and HANKINSON, Justices, join, and in which BAKER, Justice, joins in Parts II and III.

In this case, the Malones ask us to recognize an independent cause of action for intentional or negligent spoliation of evidence by parties to litigation. The court of appeals declined to recognize such a cause of action. 956 S.W.2d 573, 582. In Trevino v. Ortega, issued today, we held that Texas does not recognize an independent cause of action for evidence spoliation by persons who are parties to the underlying lawsuit. 969 S.W.2d 950 (Tex.1998). Because we also reject the Malones’ other contentions on appeal, we affirm the court of appeals’ judgment.

On December 17, 1990, James M. Malone went to Baylor University Medical Center complaining about difficulty in moving his extremities. Drs. Christopher Foster and Bill Christensen admitted him to the hospital and initially diagnosed Malone with a kidney infection. On December 18, Malone fell in his room. In compliance with hospital policy, Nurse Connie Chason filled out an incident report. Malone claims that he told her he fell because he could not move his legs, but Chason does not recall this statement. In accordance with its incident report retention policy, Baylor destroyed the incident report. Dr. Foster did not find out that Malone could not move his legs until December 20. At this point, Dr. Foster referred Malone to a neurosurgeon. The neurosurgeon determined that Malone had a spinal epidural abscess and required immediate surgery. After surgery, Malone was a quadriplegic.

James M. Malone, James D. Malone, Milton C. Malone, Phillip G. Malone and Mary E. Johnson (collectively the “Malones”) sued Drs. Foster and Christensen and Baylor University Medical Center (collectively “Baylor”) for medical malpractice and evidence spoliation. The Malones brought both claims in the same suit.

Baylor moved for summary judgment asserting, among other things, that evidence spoliation is not a cognizable cause of action in Texas. The trial court granted partial summary judgment dismissing the Malones’ spoliation claim. After a trial on the underlying medical malpractice action, the jury reached a take-nothing verdict and the tidal court rendered judgment on the verdict. The court of appeals affirmed the trial court’s judgment.

I.

The Malones assert that Texas recognizes a cause of action for evidence spoliation. As noted above, we held today in Trevino that evidence spoliation is not a separate tort in Texas. 969 S.W.2d at 952.

[*564] II.

The Malones also assert that the trial court erred by excluding Sherri Watkins’s testimony about the destruction of the hospital incident report. Watkins is an administrator at Baylor University Medical Center and would have testified about Baylor’s policy of destroying incident reports after six months. The Malones contend that her testimony would have allowed the jury to infer that the incident report was unfavorable to Baylor. The Malones must show that the trial court erred in excluding Watkins’s testimony and that the error probably caused the rendition of an improper judgment. See Tex. R.App. P. 44.1; McCraw v. Maris, 828 S.W.2d 756, 757 (Tex.1992).

Like any other question of admissibility of evidence, the exclusion or admission of Watkins’s testimony is an issue within the trial court’s discretion. See Trevino, 969 S.W.2d at 951; Tex.R. Civ. Evid. 104(a) (repealed 1998) (current version at Tex.R. Evid. 104(a)). On this record, we cannot hold that the trial court abused its discretion. For example, Nurse Chason testified that it was her practice to incorporate the contents of any incident reports into her regular nursing report. Because her nursing report for the time period in question was available to the Malones, the trial judge could have concluded that the absence of the alleged incident report was not prejudicial to the Malones. Accordingly, it was not reversible error for the trial court to refuse to admit the testimony before the jury.

III.

Finally, the Malones allege that the trial court erred by refusing to strike jurors Grady and DeLay for cause. Before empaneling the jury, the Malones objected to the trial court’s failure to excuse jurors Kahle and DeLay for cause; however, upon appeal, the Malones object to the failure to excuse jurors Grady and DeLay for cause. Accordingly, the Malones waived the error, if any, as to juror Grady.

With respect to juror DeLay, the Ma-lones argue that DeLay’s responses during the voir dire examination demonstrate that he should have been excused for cause. Assuming without deciding that the complaint was timely made, the for-cause challenge as to DeLay is without merit.

If a potential juror’s bias or prejudice for or against a party in a lawsuit is established as a matter of law, the trial court must disqualify that person from service. Tex. Gov’t Code § 62.105(4); Sway Shop v. Fortune, 365 S.W.2d 151, 154 (Tex.1963). If prejudice is not established as a matter of law, the trial court makes a factual determination as to whether the venire member should be disqualified. See Swap Shop, 365 S.W.2d at 154 (noting that the trial court is “in [a] better position than an appellate court to evaluate the juror’s sincerity and his capacity for fairness and impartiality”).

When asked generally whether he disagreed with the law on consortium damages and whether he could award these types of damages, DeLay responded vaguely and equivocally. When DeLay was asked specifically whether he could award these particular plaintiffs consortium damages, he stated that he was not sure. Then he was asked whether he could award a set figure for consortium damages. DeLay responded that there might be a limit, but upon follow-up he said that he was not biased or prejudiced against awarding these types of damages. His answers do not establish bias; in fact, they are consistent with a juror’s duty to be bound by the evidence in a particular case in reaching his verdict. There is nothing in this record to suggest that the trial court abused its discretion. Accordingly, there was no error in the trial court’s refusal to excuse DeLay for cause.

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As we held in Trevino v. Ortega, we decline to recognize a cause of action for evidence spoliation. See 969 S.W.2d at 951. Furthermore, we conclude that the trial court did not err in excluding Watkins’s testimony, that the Malones have waived any error on their complaint that the trial court improperly refused to dismiss juror Grady, and that their complaint regarding juror De[*565] Lay is without merit. Accordingly, the court of appeals’ judgment is affirmed.

BAKER, J., filed a concurring opinion.

Concurrence

BAKER, Justice,

concurring in Part I.

I agree with the Court’s opinion about excluding testimony and striking jurors for cause. For the reasons I expressed in Trevino v. Ortega, 969 S.W.2d 950, I concur -with the Court’s opinion about an evidence spoliation cause of action.