Robert M. Gates v. Shell Oil (Shell Offshore, Inc.) v. Total Services, Inc., and Northwest Insurance Co., Intervenors-Appellants

JERRE S. WILLIAMS, Circuit Judge:

Robert Gates won a jury verdict against Shell Oil Co. for personal injuries, but the district court granted judgment notwithstanding the verdict (“JNOV”) or, in the alternative, a new trial. Gates filed a timely appeal, and we reverse the granting of a JNOY but affirm the granting of a new trial. Both Gates and Shell complain also that the district court made improper evidentiary rulings and gave an improper jury charge. Because we remand for a new trial, we address those rulings that are likely to arise again at the new trial.

I. Facts

Shell Oil Co. drills for…