Jose D. Posada v. Anivar Sarvelio Romero and Envirotec Construction Services, Inc.
Jose D. Posada sued Anivar Sarvelio Romero and Envirotec Construction Services, Inc. for neck and back injuries sustained when a water hose he was using became entangled in Romero's trailer. Envirotec, a nonsubscriber under the Texas Workers’ Compensation Act, was Posada's employer. Posada incurred over $17,000 in medical expenses. Prior to trial, Envirotec filed a counter-affidavit by Dr. William Mitchell, an orthopedic surgeon, challenging the necessity and reasonableness of much of Posada's medical treatment. The trial court excluded a significant portion of Posada's medical expenses based on this counter-affidavit. A jury subsequently awarded Posada $5,420.00, including lost wages and a portion of past medical expenses. Posada appealed, raising two issues regarding Dr. Mitchell's expert qualifications and the validity of a supplemental report attached to the counter-affidavit. The Court of Appeals affirmed the trial court's judgment, finding Dr. Mitchell qualified and the report properly incorporated.