Snyder v. Stevens , 2012 Ohio 4120 ( 2012 )

[Cite as Snyder v. Stevens, 2012-Ohio-4120.]
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO
FOURTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
SCIOTO COUNTY
TERESA SNYDER, ET AL., : Case No. 12CA3465
:
Plaintiff-Appellants, :
: DECISION AND
v. : JUDGMENT ENTRY
:
DENNIS G. STEVENS, ET AL., : RELEASED 08/30/12
:
Defendants-Appellees. :
______________________________________________________________________
APPEARANCES:
Jeremy M. Burnside, Law Office of Jeremy Burnside, Portsmouth, Ohio, for appellants.
M. Andrew Sway, Smith Rolfes & Skavdahl Co., LPA, Columbus, Ohio, for appellee
Stakers Service Drugs, Inc.
______________________________________________________________________
Harsha, J.
{¶1} This negligence case resulted from an automobile accident involving
Teresa Snyder and Dennis Stevens. Teresa and Johnathon Snyder appeal the trial
court’s decision granting summary judgment in favor of the defendant Stakers Service
Drugs (Stakers). The Snyders contend that under Civ.R. 56(C) Stakers failed to meet
its initial burden to affirmatively show that there is no evidence to support their claim that
Dennis Stevens was an employee of Stakers at the time of the accident. However,
because the Snyders did not raise this issue at the trial court level, they have waived it
on appeal.
{¶2} The Snyders also argue that a genuine issue of material fact remains
about whether Stevens was acting as an employee or an independent contractor at the
time of the accident. Because he used Stakers’ equipment, had no investment of his
own in the business, was free to quit at any time, and would be considered an employee
Scioto App. No. 12CA3465 2
under the stricter workers’ compensation statute applying to a labor or construction
contract, they assert that the trial court erred by finding that Stevens was an
independent contractor. However, the undisputed evidence shows that Stevens
retained the right to control the manner and means of performing his work and
therefore, he was acting as an independent contractor at the time of the accident. Even
construing the evidence in favor of the Snyders, reasonable minds can come to one
conclusion and that is Stevens was not an employee. As a matter of law Stakers
cannot be held liable for acts of an independent contractor. Therefore, summary
judgment was appropriate in this case.
I. FACTS
{¶3} After an automobile accident between Teresa Snyder and Dennis
Stevens, Ms. Snyder, individually and on behalf of her minor son, Jonathan, filed an
amended complaint asserting negligence against Stakers, Dennis Stevens, and several
other parties. The Snyders allege that at the time of the accident Stevens was working
within his scope of employment for Stakers and therefore Stakers is liable under the
doctrine of respondeat superior for Stevens’ negligence. In its answer to the Snyders’
amended complaint, Stakers denied that Stevens was its employee.
{¶4} Subsequently, Stakers filed a motion for summary judgment asserting that
because Stevens was an independent contractor, rather than its employee, it could not
be held vicariously liable for his actions. In support of its motion, Stakers attached an
“Independent Contractor Agreement” and “Model Business Associate Agreement.” The
Snyders filed a response opposing the motion and asserted that an issue of material
Scioto App. No. 12CA3465 3
fact remained about whether Stevens was Stakers’ employee or independent
contractor.
{¶5} The trial court agreed with Stakers and granted summary judgment in its
favor. In an amended entry, the court concluded that Stakers could not be found
vicariously liable for the actions of its independent contractors, although it did not
explicitly identify Stevens as one. The court found that Stevens acknowledged “Stakers
controlled no aspect of his work at the time of the motor accident * * * he alone was
responsible for the hours he worked, the quality of his work, and the route he would
travel at the time of the accident, and further stated they had no role at all deciding any
of the aspects of his work, and that he controlled the responsibilities of his work as an
independent contractor. He also claims Stakers played no role in supervising his work.”
The court further found that Stevens and Stakers had entered into two contracts since
1996 for Stevens “to provide respiratory services for Defendant Stakers, and the
respiratory therapists for Defendant Stakers are responsible for taking the reportorial
rate, blood pressure, and pulse oxygen, which reads the oxygen of the blood. The
respiratory therapists are also responsible for monitoring the rental equipment of
Defendant Stakers.” Based upon these findings the trial court dismissed Stakers as a
party in the case. This appeal followed.
II. ASSIGNMENTS OF ERROR
{¶6} The Snyders present three assignments of error for our review:
{¶7} 1. “THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN GRANTING SUMMARY JUDGMENT
BECAUSE THE APPELLEE FAILED TO AFFIRMATIVELY PROVE, WITH RULE 56
Scioto App. No. 12CA3465 4
EVIDENCE, THAT THERE IS NO EVIDENCE DEFENDANT DENNIS G. STEVENS
WAS AN EMPLOYEE OF APPELLEE.”
{¶8} 2. “THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN ITS DECISION THAT DENNIS
STEVENS WAS AN INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR OF APPELLEES BECAUSE A
SIGNIFICANT GENUINE ISSUE OF MATERIAL FACT EXISTS TO ESTABLISH THAT
DEFENDANT STEVENS WAS AN EMPLOYEE OF APPELLEE BECAUSE
DEFENDANT DENNIS G. STEVENS USED THE EQUIPMENT OF APPELLEE AND
HAD NO INVESTMENT OF HIS OWN.”
{¶9} 3. “THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN ITS DECISION THAT DENNIS
STEVENS WAS AN INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR OF APPELLEES BECAUSE
DEFENDANT STEVENS WOULD BE CONSIDERED AN EMPLOYEE EVEN UNDER
THE STRICTER WORKERS COMPENSATION STATUTE APPLYING TO LABOR AND
CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS.”
III. LAW AND ANALYSIS
{¶10} The Snyders first argue that summary judgment was improper because
Stakers failed to meet its initial burden of proof under Civ.R. 56(C). Specifically, the
Snyders contend that Stakers failed to establish there is no evidence to support their
claim that Stevens is an employee. They claim the only evidence relied on by Stakers
are Stevens’ “self-serving statements and admissions,” and accordingly the trial court
incorrectly granted summary judgment.
A. Standard for Summary Judgment
{¶11} We review the trial court’s decision on a motion for summary judgment de
novo. Smith v. McBride, 130 Ohio St. 3d 51, 2011-Ohio-4674, 955 N.E.2d 954, ¶ 12.
Scioto App. No. 12CA3465 5
Accordingly, we afford no deference to the trial court's decision and independently
review the record to determine whether summary judgment is appropriate. Harter v.
Chillicothe Long-Term Care, Inc., 4th Dist. No. 11CA3277, 2012-Ohio-2464, ¶ 12.
{¶12} Under Civ.R. 56(C), summary judgment is appropriate only if “‘(1) no
genuine issue of any material fact remains, (2) the moving party is entitled to judgment
as a matter of law, and (3) it appears from the evidence that reasonable minds can
come to but one conclusion, and construing the evidence most strongly in favor of the
nonmoving party, that conclusion is adverse to the party against whom the motion for
summary judgment is made.’” DIRECTV, Inc. v. Levin, 128 Ohio St. 3d 68, 2010-Ohio-
6279, 941 N.E.2d 1187, ¶ 15, quoting State ex rel. Duncan v. Mentor City Council, 105
Ohio St. 3d 372, 2005-Ohio-2163, 826 N.E.2d 832, ¶ 9.
{¶13} “[A] party seeking summary judgment, on the ground that the nonmoving
party cannot prove its case, bears the initial burden of informing the trial court of the
basis for the motion, and identifying those portions of the record that demonstrate the
absence of a genuine issue of material fact on the essential element(s) of the
nonmoving party’s claims.” Dresher v. Burt, 75 Ohio St. 3d 280, 293, 662 N.E.2d 264
(1996). To meet this burden, the moving party must be able to specifically point to the
pleadings, depositions, answers to interrogatories, written admissions, affidavits,
transcripts of evidence, and written stipulations of fact, if any, timely filed in the action,
which affirmatively demonstrate that the nonmoving party has no evidence to support
the nonmoving party’s claims. Id.; Civ.R. 56(C). However, the moving party is not
required to produce any affirmative evidence negating the opponent’s claim. Bohl v.
Travelers Ins. Group, 4th Dist. No. 03CA68, 2005-Ohio-963, ¶ 16. Rather, the movant
Scioto App. No. 12CA3465 6
must only direct the court to those places in the record which demonstrate the absence
of material fact. Id.
{¶14} “If the moving party fails to satisfy its initial burden, the motion for
summary judgment must be denied. However, if the moving party has satisfied its initial
burden, the nonmoving party then has a reciprocal burden outlined in Civ.R. 56(E) to set
forth specific facts showing that there is a genuine issue for trial * * *.” Id.
{¶15} Here, in their response to the motion for summary judgment the Snyders
did not raise the argument that Stevens’ affidavit was not proper summary judgment
evidence. Instead, the only argument raised in their response is that a genuine issue of
fact remained about whether Stevens was an employee of Stakers, and they urged the
trial court to deny the motion on this basis alone. It is axiomatic that a litigant’s failure to
raise an issue at the trial court level waives the litigant’s right to raise that issue on
appeal. Shover v. Cordis Corp., 61 Ohio St. 3d 213, 220, 574 N.E.2d 457 (1991),
overruled on other grounds. Thus appellate courts generally will not consider any error
a party failed to bring to the trial court's attention at a time when the trial court could
have avoided or corrected the error. Schade v. Carnegie Body Co. 70 Ohio St. 2d 207,
210, 436 N.E.2d 1001 (1982). See also Enviro-Flow Cos., Ltd. v. Chauncey, 4th Dist.
No. 07CA5, 2008-Ohio-698, ¶ 14 (declining to address argument not initially raised by
appellant in response to motion for summary judgment). Because the Snyders failed to
raise this argument in their response to the motion for summary judgment, they have
waived the issue on appeal.
{¶16} Under the first assignment of error, the Snyders also argue that the
evidence in the record establishes that Stevens was an employee of Stakers and that
Scioto App. No. 12CA3465 7
the trial court ignored this evidence because it did not include certain facts in its entry.
Because this argument is related to their second assignment of error we address it
below.
B. Employee v. Independent Contractor
{¶17} In their second assignment of error the Snyders assert that a genuine
issue of material fact remains concerning whether Stevens was acting as Stakers’
employee or an independent contractor at the time of the accident.
{¶18} To determine whether an individual is an independent contractor or an
employee, courts look to see who exercises “‘the right to control the manner or means
of performing work.’” Pusey v. Bator, 94 Ohio St. 3d 275, 278-279, 762 N.E.2d 968
(2002), quoting Bobik v. Indus. Comm., 146 Ohio St. 187, 64 N.E.2d 829 (1946),
paragraph one of the syllabus. If the employer reserves such a right, the relationship
created is that of employer and employee, but if the manner or means of performing the
work is left to one who is responsible to the employer only for the result, an independent
contractor relationship results. Pusey at 279.
{¶19} “The determination of who has the right to control must be made by
examining the individual facts of each case.” Bostic v. Connor, 37 Ohio St. 3d 144, 146,
524 N.E.2d 881 (1988). These factors include, but are not limited to, “who controls the
details and quality of the work; who controls the hours worked; who selects the
materials, tools and personnel used; who selects the routes traveled; the length of
employment; the type of business; the method of payment; and any pertinent
agreements or contracts.” Id.
Scioto App. No. 12CA3465 8
{¶20} “Generally, where the evidence is not in conflict or the facts are admitted,
the question of whether a person is an employee or an independent contractor is a
matter of law to be decided by the court.” Id. However, the issue becomes a question
for the jury where the claimant offers some evidence that the individual was an
employee rather than an independent contractor. Id. at 146-147. The trial court must
submit an essential issue to the jury where there is sufficient evidence to allow
reasonable minds to reach different conclusions. Id.
{¶21} The Snyders assert that Stakers controlled the mode or manner of
Stevens’ work for several reasons. They point out that Stevens did not advertise his
services, he was “exclusive” with Stakers and free to quit at any time, Stakers monitored
whether Stevens actually saw patients, and assessment forms signed by patients were
returned to Stakers. Furthermore, Stakers reimbursed Stevens for mileage, provided
him with equipment, i.e. pulse oximeter, oxygen analyzer and blood pressure cuff, and
repaired the equipment if necessary. The Snyders also rely on Vajada v. St. Paul
Mercury Ins. Co., 8th Dist. No. 80917, 2003-Ohio-160, to support their claim that a
genuine issue of material fact remains about whether Stevens was acting as an
employee of Stakers at the time of the accident. But frankly, we find the dissent in that
case to be more persuasive.
{¶22} Here, the parties do not dispute the underlying facts of the case. Rather,
the only disagreement is about whether the facts establish that Stevens was acting as
an employee or independent contractor of Stakers at the time of the accident. The
record shows that Stevens has entered into two contracts with Stakers since 1996 to
provide respiratory services. In the “Independent Contract Agreement” and the “Model
Scioto App. No. 12CA3465 9
Business Agreement,” both attached to the motion for summary judgment, Stevens is
identified as an independent contractor. Stevens also claimed during discovery that he
was an independent contractor and not an employee of Stakers. He stated that Stakers
did not provide him with insurance, instead he maintained his own policy. Furthermore,
Stakers did not have the right to control the manner or means of his work and did not
instruct, direct or authorize his work. Rather, Stevens chose the routes he would travel,
the specific times he worked, the materials and tools he used and the number of hours
worked.
{¶23} Moreover, the depositions of Stevens and Stakers disclosed that Stevens
considered himself an independent contractor and was paid a flat fee on a per client
basis by Stakers. Stevens drove his own vehicle to perform all services and was
reimbursed for mileage by Stakers. Stakers never provided any training or guidance to
Stevens, and Mr. Staker only saw Stevens once per month when he turned in
paperwork. Stevens scheduled his own appointments and did not answer to Stakers
about his job performance.
{¶24} The record shows that Stevens controlled the details and quality of his
work, the hours he worked, the route travelled to see patients, and selected the
materials and tools used. Stakers also paid Stevens a flat fee per patient. Furthermore,
their agreements show that they both considered Stevens an independent contractor.
Likewise, each year Stakers issued Stevens a 1099 tax form instead of a W-2, which
also suggests the existence of an independent contractor relationship. See Vajada, at ¶
33 (O’Donnell, J., dissenting). Therefore, the evidence supports only the conclusion
that Stakers did not control the manner or means of Stevens’ work. We agree with the
Scioto App. No. 12CA3465 10
trial court that even construing the evidence most favorably to the Snyders, no genuine
issue of material fact exists and Stevens was acting as independent contractor at the
time of the accident. Therefore, Stakers cannot be held vicariously liable for his actions.
Summary judgment was appropriate.
{¶25} The Snyders also briefly argue that the trial court “plainly ignored” their
evidence suggesting that Stevens is an employee of Stakers because the court did not
describe how these facts were “irrelevant” to its decision. Contrary to the Snyders’
assertions, we do not agree that the absence of any reference to their evidence in the
court’s entry means that it did not consider them. Rather, the trial court’s amended
entry clearly states that the court has “reviewed the entire file.”
{¶26} Accordingly, no genuine issue of material fact remains in this case and
Stakers was entitled to judgment as a matter of law. Accordingly, we overrule the
Snyders’ second assignment of error.
C. Workers’ Compensation Standard
{¶27} Finally, the Snyders argue in their third assignment of error that the trial
court erred by finding that Stevens was an independent contractor because under R.C.
4123.01(A)(1)(c) he would be considered an employee using a stricter workers’
compensation standard applied to labor and construction contracts. However, R.C.
4123.01(A)(1) begins by stating “[a]s used in this chapter: ‘[e]mployee’ means * * *.”
Because the Snyders did not bring a claim under R.C. 4123 and do not cite any case
law incorporating this standard into a common law negligence claim, that standard is
inapplicable to this case. Thus, we overrule the Snyders’ third assignment of error.
Scioto App. No. 12CA3465 11
{¶28} In conclusion we overrule all the Snyders’ assignments of error and affirm
the judgment of the trial court.
JUDGMENT AFFIRMED.
Scioto App. No. 12CA3465 12
JUDGMENT ENTRY
It is ordered that the JUDGMENT IS AFFIRMED and that Appellants shall pay
the costs.
The Court finds there were reasonable grounds for this appeal.
It is ordered that a special mandate issue out of this Court directing the Scioto
County Court of Common Pleas to carry this judgment into execution.
Any stay previously granted by this Court is hereby terminated as of the date of
this entry.
A certified copy of this entry shall constitute the mandate pursuant to Rule 27 of
the Rules of Appellate Procedure. Exceptions.
Abele, P.J. & McFarland, J.: Concur in Judgment and Opinion.
For the Court
BY: ________________________________
William H. Harsha, Judge
NOTICE TO COUNSEL
Pursuant to Local Rule No. 14, this document constitutes a final judgment
entry and the time period for further appeal commences from the date of filing
with the clerk.