Tokles & Son, Inc. v. Midwestern Indemnity Co.

I

Corporate Officer’s Testimony on Value of Corporate Property

Central to this case is the value of a tractor-trailer unit which is the subject of a theft loss claim and whether expert testimony is necessary to determine that value. It is a general rule of evidence that before one may testify as to his opinion on the value of property, one must qualify as an expert. State Auto Mut. Ins. Co. v. Chrysler Corp. (1973), 36 Ohio St.2d 151, 65 O.O.2d 374, 304 N.E.2d 891.

Some items are complex and their value is intermingled with fact and opinion. In addition, the item may not be available for…