Robbins v. Van Gilder

The dispositive issue in these three appeals is whether, under the circumstances of the trial court proceedings, there is a final judgment for purposes of appeal.1 We conclude that there is no final judgment and, accordingly, dismiss the appeals.

Certain facts and the procedural history are undisputed. On December 30,1971, the defendant John C. Van Gilder, a neurosurgeon, performed an operation on the plaintiff, Arthur L. Robbins, at the defendant Yale-New Haven Hospital (hospital), in New Haven. On August 17, 1984, Robbins commenced this action by serving Van Gilder, the hospital, and the…