Pierce v. Nelson

NEUMAN, Justice.

This interlocutory appeal stems from a dispute over a treating physician’s fee for deposition testimony. At issue is the enforcement of a protective order compelling the payment of a $500 per hour fee. Because we believe the protective order cannot be justified under this record, we reverse and remand.

Plaintiff Larry Pierce sued defendants, Clyde and Janice Nelson, for personal inju ries he sustained in an automobile collision. 1 During discovery, the defendants sought to depose Dr. Rodney Johnson, an orthopedic surgeon who had treated Pierce for his injuries. Dr. Johnson…