James R. Hicks v. S. Chevy

1. A motion for summary judgment should be granted only when it is clear that there is no genuine issue of fact to be tried and inquiry concerning the facts is not desirable to clarify the application of the law'. Point 3, Syllabus, Aetna Casualty and Surety Co. v. Federal Ins. Co., 148 W.Va. 160, 133 S.E.2d 770 (1963). Syllabus point 1, Board of Education v. Van Buren and Firestone Architects, Inc., 165 W.Va. 140, 267 S.E.2d 440 (1980). 2. It is the general rule that in medical malpractice cases negligence or want of professional skill can be proved only by expert witnesses.' Point 2, Syllabus, Roberts v. Gale, 149 W.Va. 166, 139 S.E.2d 272 (1964). Syllabus point 2, Hinkle v. Martin, 163 W.Va. 482, 256 S.E.2d 768 (1979).