Enviro-Lite Solutions Inc v. First Class Electrical Services LLC

IN THE UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT October 20, 2022

FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF TEXAS Nathan Ochsner, Clerk

MCALLEN DIVISION

IN RE: §

§ CASE NO: 18-36893

USA PROMLITE TECHNOLOGY INC, §

§ CHAPTER 7

Debtor. §

§

ENVIRO-LITE SOLUTIONS INC, §

§

Plaintiff, §

§

VS. § ADVERSARY NO. 19-7003

§

EDINBURG CONSOLIDATED ISD, §

§

Defendant. §

MEMORANDUM OPINION

Third-party defendant, First Class Electrical Services, LLC, brings a Daubert challenge

against two of Edinburg Consolidated ISD’s proposed non-retained experts, Jerry Daniel and

Delisa Hamilton, and a TDLR Inspection Report contained within Edinburg Consolidated ISD’s

Exhibit 59. On August 26 & September 23, 2022, this Court held a hearing on the challenge. For

the reasons stated below, the Court finds that the challenge is hereby sustained in part and over-

ruled in part. The Court also finds that Edinburg Consolidated ISD properly designated Jerry

Daniel and Delisa Hamilton as non-retained experts in accordance with Federal Rule of Bank-

ruptcy Procedure 7026, incorporating Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 26.

I. BACKGROUND

1. This case concerns five state law causes of action lodged by Enviro-Lite Solutions, LLC

(“Enviro-Lite” or “Plaintiff”) against Edinburg Consolidated ISD (“ECISD”) for electrical

work contracted for and performed at several ECISD schools.1 As a third party plaintiff,

ECISD has also asserted nine state law causes of action against Enviro-Lite, USA Promlite

Technology, Inc. (“Promlite”), E-Con Group, and First Class Electrical Services, LLC

1 ECF No. 77.

(“First Class”), arising out of the same transaction.2

2. A two-week trial is set to commence in this case on January 17, 2023.

3. On May 6, 2022, ECISD filed its Witness and Exhibit list, listing Jerry Daniel (“Daniel”)

and Delisa Hamilton (“Hamilton”) each as a “Non-Retained Expert and Fact Witness.”3

ECISD also submitted a “TDLR File” as its Exhibit 59.4

4. At a hearing on May 10, 2022, ECISD’s counsel represented that Exhibit 59 is the Texas

Department of Licensing and Regulation’s entire file on the matter being litigated.5

5. On May 20, 2022, First Class objected to ECISD’s Exhibit 59.6

6. On July 7, 2022, the Court overruled all of First Class’s objections to ECISD’s Exhibit 59,

ordering that Exhibit 59 was not pre-admitted but may be offered at trial subject to further

objections.7

7. On July 21, 2022, First Class Electrical Services, LLC filed a single pleading self-styled as

“Third Party Defendant First Class Electrical Services, LLC Daubert Challenge to the Tes-

timony of Jerry Daniel and Delisa Hamilton” challenging both the admission of the expert

testimony of Daniel and Hamilton and a TDLR Inspection Report included in Exhibit 59.8

8. On July 29, 2022, Enviro-Lite Solutions, LLC and USA Promlite Technology, Inc. filed its

“Plaintiff & Counter-Defendant Enviro-Lite Solutions, LLC’s and Debtor & Third-Party De-

fendant USA Promlite Technology, Inc.’s Notice Of Adoption By Reference Of First Class

Electrical Services, LLC’s Daubert Challenge To The Testimony Of Jerry Daniel And Delisa

Hamilton.”9

9. On August 11, 2022, Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District filed its “ECISD’s

Response in Opposition to Third Party Defendant First Class Electrical Services, LLC’s

Daubert Challenge to the Testimony of Jerry Daniel and Delisa Hamilton.”10

10. On August 19, 2022, First Class Electrical Services, LLC filed its “Third Party Defendant

First Class Electrical Services, LLC’s Reply To ECISD’s Response In Opposition To Third

Party Defendant First Class Electrical Services, LLC’s Daubert Challenge To The Testimony

Of Jerry Daniel And Delisa Hamilton.”11

2 See ECF No. 78.

3 ECF No. 262.

4 Id.

5 ECF No. 263 at 9:18–10:2.

6 ECF No. 266.

7 ECF No. 284.

8 ECF No. 286.

9 ECF No. 289.

10 ECF No. 298.

11 ECF No. 300.

11. On August 19, 2022, Enviro-Lite Solutions, LLC filed its “Plaintiff & Counter-Defendant

Enviro-Lite Solutions, LLC’s And Debtor & Third-Party Defendant USA Promlite Technol-

ogy, Inc.’s Notice Of Adoption By Reference Of First Class Electrical Services, LLC’s Reply

To ECISD’s Response To Daubert Challenge To The Testimony Of Jerry Daniel And Delisa

Hamilton.”12

12. On August 19, 2022, Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District filed its ECISD’s

Response In Opposition To Plaintiff & Counter-Defendant Enviro-Lite Solutions, LLC’s and

Debtor & Third-Party Defendant USA Promlite Technology, Inc.’s Notice Of Adoption By

Reference Of First Class Electrical Services, LLC’s Daubert Challenge To The Testimony

Of Jerry Daniel And Delisa Hamilton [ECF No. 289].”13

13. On August 24, 2022, the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation (“TDLR”) filed its

“Limited Joinder Of The Texas Department Of Licensing And Regulation To Third Party

Defendant First Class Electrical Services, LLC Daubert Challenge To The Testimony Of

Jerry Daniel And Delisa Hamilton.”14

II. JURISDICTION, VENUE, AND CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY

This Court lacks both arising in and arising under jurisdiction because Plaintiff’s causes of

action for breach of contract, promissory estoppel, negligent misrepresentation, common law

fraud, and requests for declaratory relief15 are neither created or determined by title 11 nor do they

arise only in bankruptcy.16 Under 28 U.S.C. § 157(a), “[b]ankruptcy judges may hear and deter-

mine all cases under title 11 and all core proceedings arising under title 11, or arising in a case

under title 11 ....”17 For jurisdiction to “arise under” title 11, the cause of action asserted by the

plaintiff must be either created or determined by title 11.18 “Arising under” jurisdiction requires

that the proceeding “invoke a substantive right provided by [the Bankruptcy Code].”19 “Arising

in” jurisdiction requires that the proceeding “would have no existence outside of the bankruptcy,”

12 ECF No. 301.

13 ECF No. 303.

14 ECF No. 306.

15 ECF No. 77.

16 Wood v. Wood (In re Wood), 825 F.2d 90, 96 (5th Cir. 1987) (alteration in original).

17 Emphasis added.

18 In re Wood, 825 F.2d at 96.

19 EOP-Colonnade of Dallas Ltd. P'ship v. Faulkner (In re Stonebridge Techs., Inc.), 430 F.3d 260, 267 (5th Cir.

2005).

where the asserted causes of action are not based on any provision of the Bankruptcy Code.20

Plaintiff’s causes of action in this case do not arise under or arise in Title 11, they arise

under state law.21 Plaintiff does not argue that their causes of action are based on substantive rights

provided by the Bankruptcy Code and this Court does not find any such rights relevant to this

proceeding. Additionally, this case landed in this Court only because Enviro-Lite removed it based

on Promlite’s underlying bankruptcy case.22 If not for Promlite’s bankruptcy, the claims asserted

could have been adjudicated on the merits in the state court.23

Nevertheless, this Court has related to jurisdiction over this matter pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §

157(c)(1), which provides “[a] bankruptcy judge may hear a proceeding that is not a core proceed-

ing but that is otherwise related to a case under title 11.” A proceeding is “related to” a case under

title 11 “when the outcome of that proceeding could conceivably have any effect on the estate

being administered in bankruptcy.”24 In other words, “if the outcome could alter the debtor's

rights, liabilities, options, or freedom of action (either positively or negatively) and which in any

way impacts upon the handling and administration of the bankrupt estate.”25 Here, Promlite is the

debtor in the underlying Chapter 7 bankruptcy case.26 The outcome of this adversary proceeding

could conceivably impact the administration of Promlite’s bankruptcy case because if ECISD

20 In re Wood, 825 F.2d at 880.

21 See, e.g., Apache Corp. v. Castex Offshore, Inc. (In re Castex Energy Partners, LP), 584 B.R. 150, 155, 157

(Bankr. S.D. Tex. Feb. 1, 2018) (finding that plaintiff's breach of contract claim and defendant's counter claims were

state law claims not brought under title 11) (citing In re Petroleum Products & Serv., Inc., 556 B.R. 296, 302 (Bankr.

S.D. Tex. 2016)).

22 See ECF No. 1; Case No. 18-36893 at ECF No. 1.

23 See In re Castex Energy Partners, LP, 584 B.R. at 155 (finding that because the suit was originally filed in state

court and the breach of contract claim and counterclaims asserted were based on state law, the suit could have pro-

ceeded to the merits of the claims in state court.).

24 Walker v. Cadle Co. (In re Walker), 51 F.3d 562, 569 (5th Cir. 1995) (alteration in original) (citations omitted).

25 Id. (citing In re Majestic Energy Corp., 835 F.2d 87, 90 (5th Cir. 1988)). See also, e.g., Edge Petroleum Operat-

ing Co. v. GPR Holdings, L.L.C. (In re TXNB Internal Case), 483 F.3d 292, 298 (5th Cir. 2007); Celotex Corp. v.

Edwards, 514 U.S. 300, 308, 115 S.Ct. 1493, 131 L.Ed.2d 403 (1995) (holding that “the ‘related to’ language of §

1334(b) must be read to give district courts (and bankruptcy courts under § 157(a)) jurisdiction over more than

simply proceedings involving the property of the debtor or the estate.”).

26 Case No. 18-36893.

prevails on its third party claims against Promlite, it would result in additional liability against the

estate that could substantially alter the distributions to creditors in the underlying Chapter 7. As

such, the Court holds jurisdiction pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1334(b) and now exercises its jurisdic-

tion in accordance with Southern District of Texas General Order 2012-6.27

Furthermore, this Court may only hear a case in which venue is proper.28 28 U.S.C. §

1409(a) provides that “a proceeding arising under title 11 or arising in or related to a case under

title 11 may be commenced in the district court in which such case is pending.” Promlite had its

principal place of business in Sugar Land, Texas29 and therefore, venue of this proceeding is

proper.

This Court must evaluate whether it has constitutional authority to enter a final judgment

in this case. In Stern v. Marshall, the Supreme Court held that whether a bankruptcy court can

enter a final judgment in a case depends on whether the cause of action stems from the bankruptcy

itself or would necessarily be resolved in the claims allowance process.30 This adversary proceed-

ing involves state law claims between the debtor and four non-debtor parties and would not nec-

essarily be resolved in the claims allowance process. Nevertheless, while bankruptcy judges can

issue final orders and judgments for core proceedings, absent consent, they can only issue reports

and recommendations for non-core proceedings.31 While the claims in the instant matter are non-

core, all parties have consented to this Court’s entry of final orders on all non-core claims.32 Ad-

ditionally, a court may still issue interlocutory orders in proceedings where the court lacks

27 In re: Order of Reference to Bankruptcy Judges, Gen. Order 2012-6 (S.D. Tex. May 24, 2012).

28 28 U.S.C. § 1408.

29 Case No. 18-36893, ECF No. 1.

30 564 U.S. 462 (2011).

31 See 28 U.S.C. §§ 157(b)(1), (c)(1); see also Stern, 564 U.S. at 480.

32 ECF Nos. 2–4, 75, 82.

authority to issue a final judgment.33 An order resolving fewer than all of the claims presented in

a complaint is interlocutory.34 Resolving a Daubert challenge results in an interlocutory order

because no causes of action are resolved in ruling on a Daubert challenge. Accordingly, the order

accompanying this opinion is interlocutory and may be entered without a determination of the

Court’s constitutional authority to enter a final judgment.35

III. ANALYSIS

A. Daubert/Federal Rule of Evidence 702

First Class argues that Daniel and Hamilton’s testimony, as well as “conclusory statements

in the TDLR report” should be excluded under Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc.,

509 U.S. 579 (1993). Federal Rule of Evidence 702 provides:

A witness who is qualified as an expert by knowledge, skill, experience, training,

or education may testify in the form of an opinion or otherwise, if:

(a) the expert’s scientific, technical, or other specialized knowledge will help

the trier of fact to understand the evidence or to determine a fact in issue;

(b) the testimony is based on sufficient facts or data;

(c) the testimony is the product of reliable principles and methods; and

(d) the expert has reliably applied the principles and methods to the facts of the

case.

In Daubert, the Supreme Court set forth five factors courts should consider when exercising their

gate-keeping function under Federal Rule of Evidence 702 and making their preliminary assess-

ments of whether the reasoning underlying expert testimony is scientifically valid and can properly

be applied to the facts in issue.36 The five factors are: (1) whether the technique in question has

been tested; (2) whether the technique has been subject to peer review and publication; (3) the

error rate of the technique; (4) the existence and maintenance of standards controlling the

33 Sommers v. Anixter, Inc. (In re Trailhead Eng’g LLC, No. 18-32414, 2020 Bankr. LEXIS 3547, at *6 (Bankr. S.D.

Tex. Dec. 21, 2020) (citation omitted).

34 Id.

35 Id.

36 Daubert, 509 U.S. 579, 592–93 (1993).

technique’s operation; and (5) whether the technique has been generally accepted in the scientific

community.37 Daubert applies equally to experts that rely on the application of scientific princi-

ples and those that rely on skill or experience-based observation.38 “[W]hether Daubert’s specific

factors are, or are not, reasonable measures of reliability in a particular case is a matter that the

law grants the trial judge broad latitude to determine.”39 Nevertheless, “[v]igourous cross-exami-

nation, presentation of contrary evidence, and careful instruction on the burden of proof are the

traditional and appropriate means of attacking shaky, but admissible evidence.”40 The Court’s

gatekeeping role is not a substitute for the adversarial process.41

Daubert and its principles apply to all expert testimony, not just “scientific” testimony.42

The party proffering expert testimony has the burden of establishing by a preponderance of the

evidence that the challenged expert testimony is admissible and reliable,43 but need not satisfy

each Daubert factor.44 Daubert requires that the trial court determine admissibility under Rule 702

by following the directions provided in Rule 104(a).45 When making its determination under Rule

104(a), “the court is not bound by evidence rules, except those on privilege.”46 Experts do not

need to be highly qualified to testify, and differences in expertise go to the weight of the testimony,

rather than admissibility.47 Nonetheless, courts need not admit testimony that is based purely on

the ipse dixit48 of the expert.49 Further, even if the expert is qualified, the basis of his opinion must

37 Id. at 593–94.

38 Kumho Tire Co. v. Carmichael, 526 U.S. 137, 151 (1999).

39 Id. at 153.

40 Daubert, 509 U.S. at 596.

41 Pipitone v. Biomatrix, Inc., 288 F.3d 239, 250 (5th Cir. 2002).

42 Kumho Tire Co., Ltd. v. Carmichael, 526 U.S. 137, 147, (1999).

43 See FED. R. EVID. 104(a); Moore v. Ashland Chem. Inc., 151 F.3d 269, 276 (5th Cir.1998).

44 United States v. Hicks, 389 F.3d 514, 525 (5th Cir. 2004).

45 Daubert, 509 U.S. at 592.

46 FED. R. EVID. 104(a).

47 Huss v. Gayden, 571 F.3d 442, 452 (5th Cir. 2009).

48 See Merriam Webster's Dictionary for reference, defining ipse dixit as “an assertion made but not proved”.

49 Gen. Elec. Co. v. Joiner, 522 U.S. 136, 146, (1997).

be reliable and the underlying methodology must have been correctly applied to the case’s partic-

ular facts in order for his testimony to be relevant.50 “In short, expert testimony is admissible only

if it is both relevant and reliable.”51

Expert witnesses may base opinions on facts or data that the expert “has been made aware

of or personally observed.”52 If the facts and data relied on are the sorts that experts in that field

would reasonably rely on, then those facts “need not be admissible for the opinion to be admit-

ted.”53 As such, experts may base their opinions on otherwise inadmissible information, such as

hearsay, so long as the information is the sort reasonably relied on in the expert’s field.54 The

purpose of Rule 703 is largely practical—experts generally base their opinions on information

which, to be admissible in court, would entail “the expenditure of substantial time in producing

and examining various authenticating witnesses.”55 “Because experts may use their past experi-

ence and professional judgment to make critical decisions on the basis of such information outside

of court, Rule 703 was intended ‘to bring the judicial practice into line with the practice of the

experts themselves when not in court.’”56 Courts nevertheless must serve a gatekeeping function

with respect to Rule 703 opinions to ensure “the expert isn't being used as a vehicle for circum-

venting the rules of evidence.”57 “Rule 703 ‘was not intended to abolish the hearsay rule and to

allow a witness, under the guise of giving expert testimony, to in effect become the mouthpiece of

the witnesses on whose statements or opinions the expert purports to base his opinion.’”58

50 Daubert, 509 U.S. at 593; Knight v. Kirby Inland Marine Inc., 482 F.3d 347, 352 (5th Cir.2007).

51 Pipitone v. Biomatrix, Inc., 288 F.3d 239, 243–44 (5th Cir.2002).

52 FED. R. EVID. 703.

53 Id.

54 Factory Mut. Ins. Co. v. Alon USA L.P., 705 F.3d 518, 524 (5th Cir.2013).

55 Id. (quoting FED. R. EVID. 703, advisory committee's note).

56 Id. at 524 (quoting FED. R. EVID. 703, advisory committee's note).

57 Id. (quoting In re James Wilson Assocs., 965 F.2d 160, 173 (7th Cir.1992)).

58 Id. (quoting Loeffel Steel Prods., Inc. v. Delta Brands, Inc., 387 F.Supp.2d 794, 808 (N.D.Ill.2005)). The rule

“was never intended to allow oblique evasions of the hearsay rule.” Id. (quoting Loeffel, 387 F.Supp.2d at 808).

As stated, the party putting forth the expert testimony has the burden of showing that the

testimony is reliable, but “need not satisfy each Daubert factor.”59 Although First Class, Enviro-

Lite, Promlite, and the TDLR failed to provide a single citation to case law, statutory authority, or

the Federal Rules of Evidence in support of their respective Daubert challenges, “it is an abuse of

discretion for a district court to fail to create a record of its Daubert inquiry and its basis for ad-

mitting expert testimony.”60 Therefore, this Court will consider each Daubert challenge in turn,

starting with of First Class’s challenges.

B. First Class’s Daubert Challenges

1. Whether Daniel and Hamilton were properly designated under Federal Rule of

Civil Procedure 26

First Class generally asserts that “Hamilton and Daniel are not designated, did not perform

the requisite investigation, and simply are not qualified to testify on the ‘expert’ issues for which

ECISD seeks to introduce their testimony.”61 The Court will first consider the designation issue.

Under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 26(a)(2), “a party must disclose to the other parties the

identity of any witness it may use at trial to present evidence under Federal Rule of Evidence 702,

703, or 705.”62 Only witnesses that are retained or specially employed must provide an expert

report.63 Non-retained experts need not provide an expert report, but the initial disclosures must

state “(i) the subject matter on which the witness is expected to present evidence under Federal

Rule of Evidence 702, 703, or 705; and (ii) a summary of the facts and opinions to which the

witness is expected to testify.”64

59 United States v. Hicks, 389 F.3d 514, 525 (5th Cir. 2004).

60 Carlson v. Bioremedi Therapeutic Sys., 822 F.3d 194, 201 (5th Cir. 2016).

61 ECF No. 286.

62 FED. R. BANKR. P. 7026 (incorporating FED. R. CIV. P. 26).

63 FED. R. CIV. P. 26(a)(2)(B).

64 Id. 26(a)(2)(C).

ECISD’s amended Rule 26 initial disclosures designated Hamilton and Daniel as wit-

nesses, stating that the general subject of their testimony will be based on reports, deposition tes-

timony, and mental impressions.65 No other information was provided.66 In the Southern District

of Texas, a summary of facts under Rule 26 has been construed to mean “a brief account of facts—

only those on which the expert actually relied in forming his or her opinions—that states the main

points derived from a larger body of information.”67 Although designations under Rule

26(a)(2)(C) do not require undue detail, they do require some specificity.68 Merely referring to a

large body of information does not qualify as a summary of facts.69 ECISD’s disclosure did not

state the subject matter on which Daniel and Hamilton would testify or include a summary of facts.

ECISD did submit its Exhibit 59, which ECISD purports to be TDLR’s file, the entity that employs

Hamilton and Daniel.70 Exhibit 59 as amended contains 215 pages,71 and as stated, merely sub-

mitting a large body of information does not qualify as a summary of facts.

Notwithstanding, the Court notes that at the April 22, 2022 pre-trial conference this Rule

26 designation issue was previously raised and the Court ultimately ruled that “these witnesses

will be limited to testimony described in their depositions and the reports submitted, if any.”72

Therefore, this Court altered the requirements under Rule 26(a)(2)(C) as permitted by the Rule.73

Because ECISD listed both Hamilton and Daniel in their Rule 26 disclosures and both were

65 ECF No. 189.

66 Id.

67 Soloranzo v. Passafiume, No. H-19-3556, 2020 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 186851, at *8 (S.D. Tex. Oct. 8, 2020) (quoting

Tolan v. Cotton, No. H-09-1324, 2015 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 121717, at *15 (S.D. Tex. Sept. 14, 2015)).

68 Soloranzoi, 2020 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 186851, at *7 (citations omitted).

69 Id. (quoting Tolan, 2015 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 121717, at *9).

70 ECF No. 263 at 9:18–10:2, 47:21–48:10.

71 ECF No. 262-60.

72 ECF No. 263 at 39:3–5.

73 See Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(a)(2)(C).

deposed by the opposing parties, the Court finds that Hamilton and Daniel were properly desig-

nated under Rule 26.

Accordingly, First Class’s Daubert challenge that Hamilton and Daniel were not properly

designated under Rule 26 is overruled. Daniel and Hamilton will be allowed to provide expert

testimony limited to what is contained in their depositions and reports, subject to exclusions dis-

cussed infra and further objection at trial.

2. Whether conclusory statements in the TDLR Inspection Report and Daniel and

Hamilton’s testimony on the cause of damage to the dimmer switches should be

excluded

First Class challenges the TDLR Inspection Report (“Inspection Report”) contained within

Exhibit 59 on the basis that it contains the following conclusory statement that is not based on the

proper expert foundation:

The electrical contractor who performed the work used a neutral that was shared

with phase A, B & C. The electrical contractor did not follow the manufacturer’s

listing and labeling instructions for installation of the dimmers, clearly stating DO

NOT share neutral wire, resulting in four (4) fires (contained within the switch

boxes) at multiple elementary schools. The conductors in the switch boxes were

also damaged due to the fire and will need to be replaced ASAP. All dimmers have

been removed and replaced with snap switches at all schools.74

According to First Class “there was no actual fire,” and damage to the dimmer switches could have

been caused by an electrical storm that affected the schools where the dimmer switches were lo-

cated.75 First Class further asserts that Hamilton and Daniel should not be permitted to testify

about the above conclusion because “a proper investigation would have required Hamilton and

Daniel to address and exclude the lightning and power outages as a causation and explain why

numerous other dimmers were not affected if the damages were caused by installation, and it is

74 ECF No. 286-1.

75 ECF No. 286.

expected ECISD never advised them of those matters, thus rendering any such opinions unfounded

and incomplete.”76

ECISD responds that the statement in question is based on Daniel’s inspection of the dim-

mers and statements made by First Class’s owner, Elpidio Huerta (“Mr. Huerta”).77 ECISD points

to its admitted Exhibit 31, a written statement by Mr. Huerta, stating:

When I was asked by Jerry Daniels if I knew if neutral wire was being shared by

different circuits and was against manufacturer recommendations of installation for

dimmers, I answered yes . . . . First Class Electrical Services had failed to verify

completion of rewiring of circuit neutrals before installing new dimmers. 78

ECISD also asserts that Daniel personally inspected the dimmers that caught fire and included a

photo of one of four dimmers with burn marks evident on the wall emanating from the dimmer

switch.79

The Inspection Report was prepared and signed by Daniel.80 ECISD has not designated

the Inspection Report as an expert report. However, for both Hamilton and Daniel, ECISD’s

amended Rule 26(a)(1) initial disclosures states that the general subject of their testimony will be

based on reports, deposition testimony, and mental impressions.81

To establish reliability under Daubert, an expert must provide objective, independent sup-

port for his methodology.82 If a challenged opinion “is fundamentally unsupported, then it offers

no expert assistance to the [finder of fact].”83 “The expert’s assurances that he has utilized gener-

ally accepted [principles] is insufficient.”84 The relevant consideration under Daubert is the

76 Id.

77 ECF No. 298.

78 ECF No. 262-31.

79 ECF No. 286-1.

80 Id.

81 ECF No. 189.

82 Caramba v. Nationwide Mut. Fire Ins., Co., No. H-19-1973, 2020 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 242250, at *19–20 (S.D. Tex.

Dec. 24, 2020) (citing Brown v. Illinois Cent. R. Co., 705 F.3d 531, 536 (5th Cir. 2013)).

83 Id. (quoting Guile v. United States, 422 F.3d 221, 227 (5th Cir. 2005).

84 Id. (quoting Brown, 705 F.3d at 536).

reliability of the methodology used in analyzing the information provided to or gathered by the

expert.85 The Inspection Report does not provide any analysis or explanation of the methodology

used by Daniel in coming to the conclusion regarding the alleged fires. The end of Inspection

Report merely states that:

Electrical inspection was performed per the current state adopted Electrical Code.

The 2014 National Electrical Code became effective as the State of Texas electrical

code of September 1, 2014. This list was what Daniel/Inspector could see without

testing and tracing out circuits, the possibility does exist that there could be other

problems that were not visible to the naked eye.86

ECISD suggests that Daniel seeing burn marks on the wall and Mr. Huerta’s statement is enough

to conclude that the fires were caused by the dimmer switches use of shared neutral wire.87 ECISD

makes no attempt to explain which generally accepted principles Daniel used in coming to such a

conclusion. Because no methodology for the conclusion was provided, the Court cannot determine

whether that methodology was reasonable, and thus, the conclusion itself is not admissible under

Rule 702 and Daubert.

As for expert testimony regarding the conclusion, although Daniel is a master electrical

engineer by trade, ECISD has not carried its burden to demonstrate that Daniel’s opinion is relia-

ble. ECISD provides no explanation of the methods Daniel employed in reaching his conclusion

nor any indication of the steps Daniel took while conducting his visual inspection. Without more,

this Court cannot determine the reliability of Daniel’s opinion.

As for Hamilton’s testimony regarding the conclusion, a non-retained expert’s testimony

is limited to opinions formed during the course of his or her participation in the relevant events of

85 Id.(citing Collins v. Safeco Ins. Co., No. 3:18-CV-01788-X, 2020 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 2612, at *2 (N.D. Tex. Jan. 8,

2020)).

86 ECF No. 286-1.

87 ECF No. 298 at 3-4.

the case and only to opinions which were properly disclosed.88 Nothing in the Inspection Report,

which was signed by Daniel, indicates that Hamilton was involved in the inspection which led to

the conclusion. As a non-retained expert, Hamilton cannot testify about opinions derived from an

investigation in which she did not participate.

Accordingly, First Class’s Daubert challenge to the TDLR Inspection Report as it relates

to the cause of damage to the dimmer switches is sustained. The Inspection Report’s conclusion

that “[t]he electrical contractor did not follow the manufacturer’s listing and labeling instructions

for installation of the dimmers, clearly stating DO NOT share neutral wire, resulting in four (4)

fires (contained within the switch boxes) at multiple elementary schools[,]” is excluded from evi-

dence. Any testimony by Jerry Daniel or Delisa Hamilton about that conclusion is likewise ex-

cluded from evidence.

3. Whether Hamilton and Daniel’s testimony related to the Intertek Report should

be excluded

First Class next challenges any potential testimony of Hamilton or Daniel related to the

Intertek Report, which was already admitted into evidence, alleging that neither are qualified to

testify on issues contained in the Intertek Report or any UL procedures, or testing methodology.89

ECISD first responds that neither Hamilton nor Daniel has testified about the procedures or meth-

odology used by Intertek to decide that an LED tube meets safety requirements, and that Daniel’s

testimony was merely about why it is important that Intertek certify that products are safe.90

ECISD also asserts that Daniel’s expertise qualifies him to discuss the National Electric Code and

how the allegedly fraudulent markings on the LED tubes installed violate the National Electric

88 E.g., Deeds v. Whirlpool Corp., No. H-15-2208, 2016 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 143374, at *24 n.9 (S.D. Tex. Oct. 17,

2016).

89 ECF No. 286.

90 ECF No. 298 at 5.

Code.91 ECISD maintains that as part of his inspection, Daniel sent Intertek the “ETL” mark on

the LED tubes installed by Enviro-Lite and Intertek confirmed that the ETL mark on the bulbs was

fraudulent.

A non-retained expert’s testimony is limited to opinions formed during the course of his or

her participation in the relevant events of the case and only to opinions which were properly dis-

closed.92 There is no evidence that Hamilton or Daniel participated in preparing the Intertek Re-

port and therefore they may not testify about the preparation of the Intertek Report.

Accordingly, First Class’s Daubert challenge as it relates to Daniel or Hamilton’s potential

testimony about preparation of the Intertek report is sustained. Any testimony by Hamilton or

Daniel about the preparation of the Intertek Report is excluded. Hamilton and Daniel may testify

about any involvement with Intertek during the course of their own participation in the inspection

of the elementary schools.

4. Whether Hamilton and Daniel’s testimony that may contradict the TDLR Inspec-

tion Report should be excluded

First Class next complains that the Inspection Report makes recommendations for safety,

but that because those recommendations were not requirements, they cannot form the basis for

legal liability.93 First Class cites no law for this proposition. First Class then asserts that “[t]here

is no basis for Daniel or Hamilton to attempt to come in and testify in any manner that contradicts

their TDLR Report, especially since it was rejected by the Enforcement Division.”94 As ECISD

points out, First Class does not identify any testimony from either Daniel or Hamilton that contra-

dicts the Inspection Report.95

91 ECF No. 298.

92 E.g., Deeds v. Whirlpool Corp., No. H-15-2208, 2016 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 143374, at *24 n.9 (S.D. Tex. Oct. 17,

2016).

93 ECF No. 286.

94 Id.

95 ECF No. 298.

As noted above, this Court’s gatekeeping role is not a substitute for the adversarial process.

The recommendations made in the Inspection Report do not assess liability to any party.96 First

Class’s assumption that ECISD will use the recommendations to demonstrate liability is prema-

ture. Additionally, to the extent Hamilton or Daniel provide testimony about their personal in-

volvement in preparing the Inspection Report, First Class will have the opportunity to cross-ex-

amine those witnesses and put on their own evidence. Thus, First Class can address any “shaky,

but admissible evidence,” such as testimony that contradicts the Inspection Report, through the

adversarial process of cross-examination.97

Accordingly, First Class’s Daubert challenge that “[t]here is no basis for Daniel or Hamil-

ton to attempt to come in and testify in any manner that contradicts their TDLR Report” is over-

ruled.

5. Whether Daniel and Hamilton may testify on statements not in the TDLR report

First Class finally seeks to exclude any expert testimony from Hamilton and Daniel on

“unsubstantiated statements not in the TDLR report.”98 First Class fails to clearly identify what

statements Daniel and Hamilton have provided that should be excluded, but this challenge pri-

marily relates to whether Daniel and Hamilton “have the expertise and are qualified to determine

whether LED bulbs and fixtures meet the required standards” and whether LED tubes and fixtures

Enviro-Lite and First Class installed could have been field certified after the fact.99 The Court has

already ruled that Daniel and Hamilton may not testify about the preparation of the Intertek report,

and as ECISD points out no testimony was provided by Daniel or Hamilton as it relates to whether

96 ECF No. 286-1.

97 Daubert, 509 U.S. at 596.

98 ECF No. 286 at 10.

99 Id.

the LED tubes and fixtures could have been field certified after the fact.100 As stated previously,

Daniel and Hamilton’s expert testimony will be limited to what is contained in their depositions

and reports.

Accordingly, First Class’s Daubert challenge to “unsubstantiated statements not in the

TDLR report” is overruled.

The Court will next consider Enviro-Lite and Promlite’s Daubert challenges.

C. Enviro-Lite, LLC and USA Promlite Technology, Inc.’s Daubert challenges

Enviro-Lite and Promlite’s notice joining First Class’s Daubert challenge also contends

that Daniel and Hamilton should be precluded from providing any testimony:

1) Based on hearsay or speculation;

2) Regarding the cause of the damages to the four dimmer switches;

3) On issues outside their Report to the TDLR;

4) On whether the LED bulbs sent to Intertek failed to comply with industry stand-

ards;

5) On any issue involving UL standards or lightbulb certifications;

6) On the meaning/interpretation of the Intertek report

7) On the interpretation or application of any industry standards relating to LED

bulbs or fixtures;

8) On the City of Edinburg’s construction standards, electrical standards, and per-

mit application process;

9) On any issues involving causation;

10) On any issues involving causation of any damages;

11) On any issue involving damages;

12) On the reasonableness and necessity of any repairs for any alleged damages

13) On any issues regarding what the City of Edinburg did, could have done, would

have done, or should have done with regard to this case;

14) On any issues regarding what the Edinburg Fire Marshall did, could have done,

would have done, or should have done with regard to this case;

15) On any issues regarding what the TDLR Enforcement Division did, could have

done, would have done, or should have done with regard to this case.101

As previously stated, a court’s decision on a Daubert challenge should not subvert the adversarial

process. Admissible evidence should be addressed though cross-examination and the presentation

100 ECF No. 298.

101 ECF No.

of contrary evidence. Much of the testimony Promlite and Enviro-Lite seek to preclude can be

addressed through proper objection and cross-examination at trial, and the rest has been previously

ruled on supra.

Accordingly, Promlite and Enviro-Lite’s objection (2) has been previously ruled on and is

sustained for the same reasons discussed supra. The Inspection Report’s conclusion that “[t]he

electrical contractor did not follow the manufacturer’s listing and labeling instructions for instal-

lation of the dimmers, clearly stating DO NOT share neutral wire, resulting in four (4) fires (con-

tained within the switch boxes) at multiple elementary schools[,]” is excluded from evidence. Any

testimony by Jerry Daniel or Delisa Hamilton about that conclusion is likewise excluded from

evidence. Objection (3) has been previously ruled on and is sustained for the same reasons dis-

cussed supra as it relates to Daniel and Hamilton’s ability to offer expert testimony. Daniel and

Hamilton will be allowed to provide expert testimony limited to what is contained in their deposi-

tions and reports. Objections (4), (5) (as it pertains to the Intertek report), and (6) have been pre-

viously ruled on and are sustained for the same reasons discussed supra. Any testimony by Ham-

ilton or Daniel about the preparation of the Intertek Report is excluded. Hamilton and Daniel may

testify about any involvement with Intertek during the course of their own participation in the

inspection of the elementary schools. Objections (1) and (7)-(15) are overruled but may be raised

at trial.

The Court will next consider TDLR’s Daubert challenges.

D. Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation’s limited joinder to First Class’s

Daubert challenge

TDLR filed a limited joinder to First Class’s Daubert challenge in which it also objects to

Daniel and Hamilton being designated as experts in this case.102 The Court discerns four primary

assertions that TDLR makes in support of its objection. The Court will consider each in turn.

TDLR first contends that during the underlying state court litigation “[i]t was ultimately

agreed that Daniel and Hamilton would be deposed, but as fact witnesses not experts.”103 TDLR,

however, does not identify who agreed that Daniel and Hamilton would only provide testimony as

fact witnesses, nor is any supporting documentation attached as an exhibit to TDLR’s objection

nor was evidence offered at the Hearing to demonstrate such an agreement. As such, the Court

disregards this first assertion.

TDLR next contends that it “was under the impression that the parties were in agreement

that Daniel and Hamilton would solely be fact witnesses in this dispute” and that “TDLR made

clear to each of the parties… [that] TDLR has a firm policy against such [expert] designations.”104

Again, no evidence was offered in support of these assertions, and even if there was, TDLR fails

to articulate a legal basis for why Daniel and Hamilton’s expert testimony should be precluded on

this basis. As such, it is disregarded.

TDLR next provides several policy reasons in support of its objection:

There are many policy reasons for this, including the fact that TDLR employees do

not hold themselves out as “experts” (in the Daubert sense of the term). Also, TDLR

reports are drafted to serve the purpose of furthering TDLR investigations, not to

be introduced as evidence in litigation to support particular theories. TDLR has

great concern that if its employees and reports are saddled with expert designation

in litigation to which TDLR is not even a party, this would have a chilling effect on

the work of TDLR inspectors and investigators. It is critically important that such

inspectors and investigators make observations and draw conclusions in the course

of their work, free from concerns that they will be called to a witness stand and be

102 ECF No. 306

103 Id. at 3.

104 Id. at 3-4.

required to justify their thoughts and opinions the same as if they had been retained

as a litigation expert.!°

While the Court is sympathetic to TDLR’s policy concerns, TDLR also entirely fails to provide

any legal basis for why its policies are relevant in excluding testimony in this case. As such, it is

disregarded.

Last, TDLR also baldly asserts “that the equities weigh heavily against such designa-

tion.”'°° Again, TDLR provides no basis in law for this assertion and it is disregarded.

Accordingly, TDLR’s Daubert challenges are overruled.

IV. CONCLUSION

An order consistent with this Memorandum Opinion will be entered on the docket simul-

taneously herewith.

SIGNED October 20, 2022

United States Bankruptcy Judge

105 Id. at 4.

106 Iq.