Doris Sikes v. Seaboard Coast Line Railroad Company

SMITH, L., J. Appellant, Doris Sikes, as personal representative of the Estate of her deceased husband, Noah Lee Sikes, seeks reversal of a final judgment after jury verdict in her negligence action against Seaboard Coast Line Railroad Company (Seaboard), appellee. Appellant relies primarily upon trial errors for reversal, contending: (1) that the trial court erred in refusing to excuse a juror for cause; (2) the court erred in admitting certain Department of Transportation trucking permit guidelines into evidence, and in instructing the jury that the guidelines had the force of law; and (3) the court erred in denying appellant's motion to strike certain expert testimony presented by Seaboard. Appellant also contends that the trial court should have granted appellant's motion for new trial based upon newly discovered evidence. We find reversible error in the trial court's refusal to excuse the juror for cause. Reversed in part, and affirmed in part.