Jefferson v. Lauri N. Truck Lines

In a Workmen’s Compensation suit, in order to determine the extent of the claimant’s disability, the trial judge ex proprio motu, on three separate occasions, called a medical expert, who gave expert testimony, which was used by the court in determining the issues presented. The district judge rendered a judgment on the merits in favor of the plaintiff and condemned the defendant to pay the costs of court.

The defendant did not appeal and about five months after the date of the judgment, without any attempt to ascertain the amount of the eipert’s fee, paid the judgment and all of the costs of…