COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO, EIGHTH DISTRICT COUNTY OF CUYAHOGA NO. 66668 VALENTINE POTOCNIK, : : Plaintiff-Appellant : Cross-Appellee : : JOURNAL ENTRY vs. : and : OPINION SIFCO INDUSTRIES, INC., : : Defendant-Appellee : Cross-Appellant : DATE OF ANNOUNCEMENT OF DECISION : MAY 11, 1995 CHARACTER OF PROCEEDING : Civil appeal from : Common Pleas Court : Case No. 240188 JUDGMENT : AFFIRMED IN PART, : REVERSED IN PART, : AND REMANDED . DATE OF JOURNALIZATION : _______________________ APPEARANCES: For plaintiff-appellant: David Roloff Wally Mueller GAINES & STERN CO., L.P.A. 1400 Renaissance Center 1350 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44115-1817 For defendants-appellees: Jeffrey J. Wedel Anne C. Morgan SQUIRE, SANDERS & DEMPSEY 4900 Society Center 127 Public Square Cleveland, Ohio 44114-1304 -3- NAHRA, J.: Appellant, Valentine Potocnik, is appealing the trial court's order granting appellee, Sifco Industries, Inc., its motion for a new trial. Appellee filed a cross-appeal asserting additional reasons why its motion for a new trial should have been granted. Sifco also contends the trial court should have granted its motion for a directed verdict, and should have dismissed for lack of subject matter jurisdiction. For the following reasons, we affirm in part and reverse in part, and remand. Appellant sued his employer, Sifco Industries, for handicap discrimination and fraud. Appellant worked as a laborer in the saw department at Sifco Industries. In October of 1989, a meeting was held between appellant, Lucille Ovark (the personnel manager) and John Snyder (the manufacturing manager). It was disputed whether the meeting was called because appellant made threats to other employees, or because appellant was complaining about health problems. Snyder and Ovark suggested that appellant go on sick leave, until he could obtain a doctor's release with no work restrictions. The collective bargaining agreement provided for one year sick leave with some pay and benefits. Appellant initially saw Dr. Medidas. A letter from Dr. Medidas was allowed in evidence. The letter stated Medidas suggested appellant should be admitted to the hospital for control of his blood pressure and a psychiatric evaluation. Appellant was eventually referred to a psychiatrist, Dr. Schwartz. Dr. Schwartz diagnosed appellant as having an anxiety -4- disorder with panic attacks. The diagnosis was based in part on physical symptoms, such as dizziness. The doctor submitted forms stating appellant was unable to work, so appellant could obtain the sick leave benefits. This conclusion was based on appellant's statement to Dr. Schwartz that he could not cope with his job. The doctor also opined that, in general, anxiety disorders may result in inability to work. In September of 1990, appellant expressed a desire to return to work, and Dr. Schwartz released him without restrictions. Appellant testified that in September of 1990, he asked his supervisor, Ivan Popa, the procedure for returning to work. Popa said to just contact him or Lucille Ovark before the end of the year. Popa testified that no such conversation took place. Ovark sent appellant a letter on September 28th, stating that the company had a right to require appellant to see a doctor selected by the company before appellant returned to work. The doctor selected by the company was Dr. Fagan. She recommended that appellant be released for work, with certain restrictions. For the first month, appellant could not work any overtime and could not be switched to different tasks during the course of the day. Dr. Fagan also testified it was possible someone with an anxiety disorder or hypertension could not work for a period of years. Dr. Schwartz agreed with Dr. Fagan's work restrictions. Ovark told appellant that light duty was only available to workers injured on the job. Sifco could not make the -5- accommodations recommended by Dr. Fagan. Ovark suggested appellant take an additional year leave, without pay and benefits. The collective bargaining agreement provided for such leave without loss of job or seniority. Over the next year, appellant did not see any doctors because he had no insurance. In the summer of 1991, appellant felt he was ready to return to work. He contacted Ivan Popa about returning to work, and Popa allegedly told him, "you have plenty of time." Appellant testified that Sifco never told him he could return to work before the one year period expired. In October appellant contacted Ovark, who told him to obtain a work release. On October 10th, two days before the leave was scheduled to expire, appellant reported to Ovark with a work release from Dr. Tandon. Ovark said the release was unacceptable because appellant had never treated with Dr. Tandon. Appellant obtained a work release without restriction from Dr. Schwartz. Ovark found this release unacceptable as well, because Dr. Schwartz did not treat appellant over the year. She attempted to schedule an appointment with a company doctor, but no appointment was available for three weeks. Appellant testified Ovark said to him, "how do I know that you are not going to get sick again or that you are not going to blow up." Ovark denied making this statement. Ovark terminated appellant. Evidence was presented that another employee, Donald Vunjak, was allowed to see a company doctor after his leave expired. The -6- company had approved a work release submitted by Vunjak's doctor already. Vunjak's leave expired during a plant shut down. The jury found for appellant on both the handicap discrimination and the fraud claim. They awarded back pay of $81,432, front pay of $133,000 and punitive damages of $150,000. The case had been originally assigned to Judge Ralph A. McAllister, who granted Sifco's motion in limine to exclude the medical reports of Dr. Medidas, Dr. Fagan and Dr. Tandon. None of these doctors were named as witnesses in the response to appellee's interrogatories. The case was assigned to visiting Judge Thomas Matia for trial. Judge Matia suspended the trial for one afternoon so the parties could take the deposition of Dr. Fagan. This deposition was read into evidence. The medical records of Dr. Fagan and the above-mentioned letter of Dr. Medidas were admitted into evidence. No records of Dr. Tandon were admitted. Judge Matia refused to submit to the jury any of the interrogatories requested by appellee. No discussion concerning the interrogatories appeared in the transcript. Appellant submitted an App.R. 9(C) statement signed by Judge Matia, stating that Judge Matia felt the interrogatories were inconsistent with the jury instructions, incomplete, confusing, ambiguous or cumulative. When Judge Matia signed the App.R. 9(C) statement, the case had been transferred back to Judge McAllister to rule on post- trial motions. -7- Judge McAllister granted appellee's motion for a new trial because Judge Matia refused to submit the interrogatories to the jury, and erroneously allowed into evidence the deposition of Dr. Fagan and the medical reports of Drs. Fagan and Medidas. When Judge McAllister ruled on the motion for a new trial, he did not have a copy of the trial transcript. I. Appellant's first assignment of error states: THE JUDGE REASSIGNED TO THIS CASE AFTER TRIAL, WHO DID NOT HAVE THE TRIAL TRANSCRIPT, ERRED IN GRANTING SIFCO'S MOTION FOR NEW TRIAL. We find that it was error for Judge McAllister, who did not preside at the trial, to rule on the motion for a new trial without a transcript. A movant for a new trial has the duty to present the evidence necessary to support a motion for a new trial. See Whiston v. Bio-Lab, Inc. (1993), 85 Ohio App.3d 300, 308. Here, the judge did not have the proper evidence before him to determine whether it was error to refuse to submit interrogatories to the jury and in allowing certain evidence. Appellee's motion for a new trial should have been denied because appellee failed to present the necessary evidence. Accordingly, this assignment of error is sustained. II. Appellant's second assignment of error states: IN THE ALTERNATIVE, THE REASSIGNMENT OF THE CASE, AFTER A JURY VERDICT HAD BEEN ENTERED IN PLAINTIFF'S FAVOR, FROM -8- THE TRIAL JUDGE TO ANOTHER JUDGE "TO RULE ON POST TRIAL MOTIONS" DID NOT COMPLY WITH OHIO CIVIL RULE 63(B). The journal entry reassigning a case must set out a justifiable reason for the transfer. Berger v. Berger (1981), 3 Ohio App.3d 125. Absent such a journal entry, the reassigned judge had no authority, and actions of the reassigned judge are voidable. Id. The journal entry here stated that Judge Matia was "unavailable." The journal entry was insufficient, because it simply stated a conclusion and did not provide a justifiable reason. Mlinarcik v. E.E. Wehrung Parking, Inc. (1993), 86 Ohio App.3d 134. Appellant timely objected to the transfer, so the ruling by Judge McAllister on the new trial motion was void. Additionally, under the facts of this case, reassignment was not appropriate. Judge Matia was absent from the court, but he was scheduled to hear another case one week after Judge McAllister ruled on the motion for a new trial. Reassignment is only appropriate when the assigned judge has a long-term absence, or has a short term absence and there is an immediate need for action in the case. Berger, supra, at 130. There was no showing of an immediate need for action in this case. The reassignment was improper and did not comply with Civ.R. 63(B). Accordingly, this assignment of error is sustained. III. Sifco's first cross-assignment of error states: THE COURT ERRED BY DENYING SIFCO'S MOTION FOR DIRECTED VERDICT ON POTOCNIK'S CLAIM OF HANDICAP DISCRIMINATION. -9- A party is entitled to a directed verdict if, construing the evidence in favor of the non-moving party, reasonable minds can come to but one conclusion on any determinative issue, and that conclusion is in favor of the moving party. Civ.R. 50(A)(4). If there is substantial, competent evidence to support the non-moving party, upon which evidence reasonable minds could reach different conclusions, the motion for a directed verdict must be denied. Strother v. Hutchinson (1981), 67 Ohio St.2d 282. The weight of evidence or credibility of witnesses is not considered in ruling upon a motion for directed verdict. Id. Cross-appellant Sifco asserts there was no evidence that cross-appellee Potocnik was handicapped. "Handicap" is defined as: . . . a medically diagnosable, abnormal condition which is expected to continue for a considerable length of time, whether correctable or uncorrectable by good medical practice, which can reasonably be expected to limit the person's functional ability, including, but not limited to, seeing, hearing, thinking, ambulating, climbing, descending, lifting, grasping, sitting, rising, any related functions, or any limitation due to weakness and significantly decreased endurance so that he can not (sic) perform his everyday routine living and working without significantly increased hardship and vulnerability to what are considered the everyday obstacles and hazards encountered by the nonhandicapped. R.C. 4112.01(A)(13). Dr. Schwartz testified that Potocnik suffered from an anxiety disorder with panic attacks. Dr. Schwartz and Dr. Fagan stated that this disorder could result in inability to work for a period of years. Dr. Schwartz found that Potocnik could not work due to the anxiety disorder, and filled out insurance forms to this affect. Cross-appellant contends Dr. Schwartz's conclusion Potocnik could not work was based only on subjective evidence. -10- Sifco's argument goes to the weight of the evidence, which is not considered on a motion for directed verdict. Dr. Fagan recommended Potocnik have work restrictions. Dr. Schwartz stated that during an anxiety spell, Potocnik's ability to perform his daily living routine would be affected. Thus, there was sufficient evidence to conclude Potocnik had a medically diagnosable abnormal condition which limited his functional ability, so he could not perform his everyday routine living and working without significant hardship. The evidence does not show Potocnik was handicapped at the time of his discharge, however. Potocnik testified that he was fully able to return to work at that time. Dr. Schwartz testified Potocnik was much improved and could return to work without restriction. However, a "handicapped person" also includes: (1) a person who has had a handicap who no longer has any functional limitation, but is treated by the employer as having a handicap; and (2) a person who is "regarded as" handicapped by the employer. Ohio Adm. Code 4112-5-02(H). This court had held that the Ohio Civil Rights Commission did not exceed its authority by promulgating this definition. City of Cleveland v. Ohio Civil Rights Commission (Sept. 1, 1994), Cuyahoga App. No. 66170, unreported. There was substantial, competent evidence that Sifco treated Potocnik as handicapped, or regarded him as handicapped. Potocnik testified that Ovark terminated him and stated, "How do I know you are not going to get sick again or that you are not going to blow up." Although Ovark denied this statement, credibility is an issue -11- for the jury. Ovark refused to accept the work releases from Dr. Tandon and Dr. Schwartz and would not permit Potocnik to return to work, which shows she believed appellant still had health problems. Cross-appellant argues that Ovark's alleged statement was a "casual remark" and insufficient to show discrimination. Gagne v. Northwestern Nat'l. Ins. Co. (C.A. 6 1989), 881 F.2d 309. While isolated, ambiguous statements are not sufficient to show discrimination, comments referring directly to the plaintiff- employee may establish discrimination. See Phelps v. Yale Security, Inc. (C.A. 6 1993), 986 F.2d 1020. Here, the alleged statement made by Ovark referred directly to Potocnik, and was offered as the reason for his discharge. Ovark's statement is evidence that Sifco regarded Potocnik as handicapped and discharged him at least in part because of the perceived handicap. Substantial, competent evidence existed proving Sifco regarded Potocnik as handicapped. Reasonable minds cannot come to but one conclusion on any determinative issue in favor of Sifco on the handicap discrimination claim. The trial court did not err in denying the motion for a directed verdict. Accordingly, this assignment of error is overruled. IV. Cross-appellant's second assignment of error states: THE COURT ERRONEOUSLY INSTRUCTED THE JURY ON HANDICAP DISCRIMINATION. The trial court instructed the jury that the plaintiff must prove: (1) he was handicapped or regarded as handicapped, (2) that -12- the employer's action was taken at least in part because plaintiff was handicapped, and (3) the plaintiff could safely and substantially perform the essential functions of his job. If the plaintiff proves this prima facie case, defendant must prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the plaintiff was discharged for a legitimate, non-discriminatory reason. This instruction was correct. See City of Liebhart (1993), 86 Ohio App.3d 469, 471-472. The instruction was appropriate because this was a "mixed motive" case, where the employee presented direct evidence that discrimination was a substantial factor in his discharge. See Price Waterhouse v. Hopkins (1989), 490 U.S. 228, 104 L.Ed.2d 268, 109 S.Ct. 1775. In a mixed motive case, the burden of persuasion shifts to the employer to prove a legitimate non-discriminatory reason for the adverse action. Id. Cf., McDonnell Douglas Corp. v. Green (1973), 411 U.S. 792, 36 L.Ed.2d 668, 93 S.Ct. 1817. The direct evidence of discrimination was Ovark's statement upon Potocnik's discharge, "How do I know you are not going to get sick again or that you are not going to blow up." Cross-appellant asserts this evidence was not sufficient to show direct evidence of discrimination because it was a "casual remark." Gagne, supra. As we discussed above, this remark referred directly to plaintiff and was offered as a reason for his discharge, so it was sufficient to show discrimination. Cross-appellant contends the jury should have been instructed that any alleged discriminatory acts that occurred before October -13- 8, 1991 cannot be considered. Plaintiff filed his complaint on October 7, 1992, and cross-appellant asserts there is a one year statute of limitation. See Junke v. MK-Ferguson Company (Feb. 3, 1994), Cuyahoga App. No. 64625, unreported. The Supreme Court of Ohio has recently ruled that a six year statute of limitations applies to actions under R.C. 4112.99. See Cosgrove v. Williamsburg of Cincinnati Mgt. Co. (1994), 70 Ohio St.3d 281. Thus, an instruction limiting the time period considered by the jury was not necessary. The trial court did not err in instructing the jury on Potocnik's claim of handicap discrimination, although the evidence showed Potocnik was not handicapped, but regarded as handicapped at the time of his discharge. The jury had to know the definition of "handicap" to determine whether Potocnik was regarded as handicapped. Cross-appellant asserts an instruction was required stating that the jury cannot focus upon the soundness of the employer's business judgments. See Wilkins v. Eaton Corp. (C.A. 6 1986), 790 F.2d 515. Such an instruction is not required. The instruction given by the trial court adequately set out the appropriate burden of proof. Accordingly, this assignment of error is overruled. V. Cross-appellant's third assignment of error states: -14- WHETHER THE COURT SHOULD HAVE GRANTED SIFCO (SIC) DIRECTED VERDICT MOTION ON THE FRAUD CLAIM AND WHETHER INSTRUCTING THE JURY ON FRAUD WAS ERRONEOUS. Cross-appellant contends Potocnik failed to present evidence on the essential elements of fraud. A claim of common-law fraud requires proof of the following elements: (a) a representation or, where there is a duty to disclose, concealment of a fact, (b) which is material to the transaction at hand, (c) made falsely, with knowledge of its falsity, or with such utter disregard and recklessness as to whether it is true or false that knowledge may be inferred, (d) with the intent of misleading another into relying upon it, (e) justifiable reliance upon the representation or concealment, and (f) a resulting injury proximately caused by the reliance. Russ v. TRW, Inc. (1991), 59 Ohio St.3d 42, 49. Potocnik alleged that Sifco had a duty to disclose the fact that Potocnik had to report to Ovark three weeks before the expiration of the leave, so a doctor's appointment could be made. Sifco also allegedly had a duty to inform Potocnik that he could return to work before the one year leave was over. There was no evidence Sifco intended to mislead Potocnik by failing to disclose these facts. Ovark testified that she assumed appellant would know he had to report to work in time to get a doctor's examination, because of the letter she sent him in September of 1990. Ovark also believed it was obvious an employee was expected to return to work as soon as the employee recovered, and did not have to wait until the end of the year. Also, based on these facts, reasonable minds could not conclude that Potocnik justifiably relied on these "concealments". -15- Potocnik also asserts that Popa misrepresented the procedure for returning to work. There was no evidence Popa knew his statement was false, or intended to mislead Potocnik. Potocnik did not justifiably rely on this statement because he was aware Popa had no authority in authorizing return from sick leave and because Potocnik was informed by Ovark's letter that a physical by a company doctor was required. Popa allegedly made another misrepresentation when he told Potocnik in the summer of 1991 that Potocnik had plenty of time to return to work. This statement was not false, because the leave expired in October. Cross-appellee also contends Ovark's statement that he waited too long to return to work was a misrepresentation, because Vunjak was permitted to see a company doctor after Vunjak's leave expired. Potocnik did not act in reliance upon this statement, however. Substantial, competent evidence was missing on several essential elements of fraud. Reasonable minds could only conclude that fraud did not occur. The trial court erred in denying the motion for directed verdict on the fraud claim. Accordingly, this assignment of error is sustained. VI. Cross-appellant's fourth assignment of error states: THE TRIAL COURT ERRONEOUSLY INSTRUCTED THE JURY ON FRONT PAY OR LOSS OF FUTURE EARNINGS. Front pay is available as a remedy for other actions under R.C. 4112.99, such as race discrimination Keys v. U.S. Welding, -16- Fabricating Mfg., Inc. (N.D. Ohio 1992), 59 F.E.P. 1537, 1544, age discrimination Worrell v. Multipress, Inc. (1989), 45 Ohio St.3d 241 and sex discrimination Crain v. Cincinnati Automobile Club, Inc. (May 7, 1990), S.D. Ohio No. C-1-88-0295, unreported. We hold that front pay is available for handicap discrimination as well, when appropriate. The trial judge must determine if front pay is appropriate and the jury determines the amount of front pay. Worrell, supra, Fite v. First Tennessee Prod. Credit Ass'n. (C.A. 6 1989), 861 F.2d 884. Front pay can only be awarded if the trial judge, in his discretion, determines that reinstatement is impractical or inadequate. Worrell, supra, at 246, Davis v. Combustion Engineering (C.A. 6 1984), 742 F.2d 916, 923. Here, there was no evidence Potocnik's job at Sifco was unavailable. Potocnik stated that he wanted to return to work at Sifco. Potocnik did testify that because he was forced to take an additional year's leave without pay, his wife left him and he suffered panic attacks. This evidence does not establish that a relationship of animosity existed between the parties, such that reinstatement was inappropriate. See Duke v. Uniroyal (C.A. 4 1991), 55 F.E.P. 816, 824. An award of front pay was inappropriate because the evidence did not show that reinstatement was impractical or inadequate. Potocnik is entitled to reinstatement. The prevailing plaintiff in a discrimination suit is entitled to "make whole" relief. See Ohio Civil Rights Comm'n v. Ingram (1994), 69 Ohio St.3d 89, 93. A plaintiff is made whole by returning him to the -17- position that he would have occupied had the discrimination not occurred. McNeil v. Economics Laboratory, Inc. (C.A. 7 1986), 800 F.2d 111, 118. The plaintiff is presumptively entitled to reinstatement, unless the employer presents evidence that reinstatement is inappropriate. Nord v. U.S. Steel (C.A. 11 1985), 758 F.2d 1462, In re Lewis (C.A. 6 1988), 845 F.2d 624, 630, Jones v. Ohio Dept. of Mental Health (S.D. Ohio 1987), 687 F. Supp. 1169, 1173. Here, there was no evidence reinstatement was inappropriate. Potocnik is entitled to reinstatement with full seniority and benefits. Sifco argues that Potocnik elected the remedy of front pay, and did not assert his right to reinstatement at trial. The trial transcript reveals that the plaintiff's attorney requested the trial judge determine whether reinstatement or front pay was appropriate. The plaintiff testified he desired to return to work at Sifco. Potocnik did not waive his right to reinstatement. The trial judge erred in permitting an award of front pay, when reinstatement was the appropriate remedy. Accordingly, this assignment of error is sustained. VII. Cross-appellant's fifth assignment of error states: THE COURT'S INSTRUCTION ON "DAMAGES" WAS IN ERROR TO THE PREJUDICE OF SIFCO. The trial judge instructed the jury that if they found the defendant discriminated or committed fraud, they must determine damages. If the jury found Sifco committed fraud, they may award -18- back pay and benefits. If the jury found Sifco discriminated against Potocnik because of his handicap, and they did not award back pay for fraud, they may award back pay and benefits for discrimination. Cross-appellant contends this jury instruction was misleading and resulted in a double back pay award. We believe the instructions given were understandable by the jury and not prejudicial to Sifco. Potocnik testified that the back pay and benefits from October 12, 1990 to the date of the trial amounted to $84,251. The jury verdict of $81,432 was not necessarily the result of a double damage award. It would be reasonable for the jury to award back pay from October 12, 1990, the date Potocnik started the unpaid leave. The jury could find that Sifco discriminated against Potocnik by requiring him to take unpaid leave because of his handicap. It is reasonable to conclude that Potocnik could substantially perform the functions of his job, despite the work restrictions imposed by Dr. Fagan. Sifco was obligated to make reasonable accommodations to Potocnik's handicap, unless Sifco suffered undue hardship. O. Admin. Code 4112-5-08(E). The evidence did not show the work restrictions would result in undue hardship. Cross-appellant also asserts it was error to instruct the jury to award "back pay and benefits" for fraud. The jury should have been instructed to award damages, "as will fairly compensate [the party] for the wrong suffered." See Shover v. Cordis (1991), 61 -19- Ohio St.3d 213, 217. In this case, back pay and benefits are fair compensation for the wrong suffered. Accordingly, this assignment of error is overruled. VIII. Cross-appellant's sixth assignment of error states: THE COURT ERRED TO THE PREJUDICE OF SIFCO BY INSTRUCTING THE JURY ON PUNITIVE DAMAGES. Although we held that the directed verdict on the fraud claim should have been granted, punitive damages are available for a handicap discrimination claim under R.C. 4112.99. Delaney v. Skyline Lodge, Inc. (May 18, 1994), Hamilton App. No. C-92-0924, unreported, fn. 3, Crain v. Cincinnati Automobile Club, Inc. (May 7, 1990), S.D. Ohio No. C-1-88-0295, unreported, Grant v. Monsanto Co. (S.D. Ohio 1989), 51 F.E.P. 1593, see Helmick v. Cincinnati Word Processing, Inc. (1989), 45 Ohio St.3d 131, 134, Hoops v. United Tel. Co. (1990), 50 Ohio St.3d 97, 101, 102, Cosgrove v. Williamsburg of Cincinnati Mgmt. Co., Inc. (1994), 70 Ohio St.3d 281, 289 (Resnick, J., concurring). Based on the above authority, we disagree with Schillig v. Ambulance Assoc., Inc. (April 8, 1991), Stark App. No. CA-8275, unreported, which held punitive damages are not available for R.C. 4112.99 actions. Cross-appellant contends there was insufficient evidence of actual malice, so the jury should not have been instructed on punitive damages. See Preston v. Murty (1987), 32 Ohio St.3d 334, Wilburn v. Cleveland Electric Illuminating Co. (1991), 74 Ohio App.3d 401. Actual malice is defined as either (1) that state of -20- mind which a person's conduct is characterized by hatred, ill will or a spirit of revenge, or (2) a conscious disregard for the rights and safety of other persons that has a great probability of substantial harm. Villella v. Waiken Motors, Inc. (1989), 45 Ohio St.3d 36, 37. Here, there was evidence from which reasonable minds could conclude that Sifco consciously disregarded Potocnik's rights and knew its actions would cause substantial harm to Potocnik. The jury could conclude from the evidence that Sifco purposefully discharged Potocnik because of his handicap. The court's instruction on punitive damages was proper. Accordingly, this assignment of error is overruled. IX. Cross-appellant's seventh assignment of error states: THE TRIAL COURT LACKED SUBJECT MATTER JURISDICTION SINCE PLAINTIFF'S CLAIMS ARE PREEMPTED BY THE LABOR MANAGEMENT RELATIONS ACT. The federal Labor Management Relations Act preempts state causes of action which are substantially dependent on the analysis of a collective bargaining agreement. Allis-Chalmers Corp. v. Lueck (1985), 471 U.S. 202, 85 L.Ed.2d 206, 105 S.Ct. 1904. Federal law does not preempt the state action if the state action can be resolved without interpreting the collective bargaining agreement. Lingle v. Norge Division of Magic Chef, Inc. (1988), 486 U.S. 399, 100 L.Ed.2d 410, 108 S.Ct. 1877. In this case, the collective bargaining agreement expired on May 31, 1991, months before the discriminatory act occurred on -21- October 12, 1991. An arbitration clause does not survive the expiration of the collective bargaining agreement, except for vested rights and facts and occurrences arising before the expiration. Litton Financial Printing v. NCRB (1991), 501 U.S. 190, 115 L.Ed.2d 177, 111 S.Ct. 2215. Thus, there was no collective bargaining agreement in effect and Potocnik was not required to arbitrate the dispute. Whether Potocnik's discharge was discriminatory is not dependent upon interpretation of a collective bargaining agreement, because no such agreement existed. Even if the collective bargaining agreement was still in effect, this action was not substantially dependent on interpretation of the collective bargaining agreement. Although the agreement provided for one year paid sick leave, and an additional year of unpaid sick leave, the agreement was silent as to the procedures for reinstatement from sick leave. The agreement stated that overtime was mandatory, unless the employee is excused by the foreman for a good reason. The agreement does not discuss whether light duty is available for personal illness. The agreement includes job descriptions. An interpretation of these job descriptions is not necessary in this case to determine whether Potocnik could safely and substantially perform the functions of his job. Thus, this case is distinguishable from Hatlestad v. Consolidated Rail Corp. (1991), 75 Ohio App.3d 184, where the primary issue was whether an employee with a leg prosthesis could substantially perform the functions of his job. -22- This action was not preempted by federal law and the trial court had subject matter jurisdiction. Accordingly, this assignment of error is overruled. X. Cross-appellant's eighth assignment of error states: THE COURT ERRED TO THE PREJUDICE OF SIFCO BY PERMITTING PLAINTIFF TO TESTIFY REGARDING BACK PAY AND BENEFITS, AND FUTURE PAY AND BENEFITS FROM INADMISSIBLE EVIDENCE. Potocnik testified as to the wages and benefits he received at Sifco and calculated his back pay and front pay damages. During this testimony, plaintiff's exhibit 27, a chart summarizing plaintiff's calculations, was shown to the jury. Exhibit 27 was not admitted into evidence because the jury had sufficient evidence to calculate damages. Cross-appellant contends Potocnik's testimony on damages was inadmissible because Exhibit 27 was not admitted. Potocnik had independent knowledge of the wages and benefits he received and the calculations performed. His testimony on damages was not improper. Expert testimony on back pay was not required. Technical or specialized knowledge is not required to calculate back pay. See Evid.R. 702. Expert testimony is not required to calculate front pay. See, generally, Sahrbacker v. Lucerne Prod., Inc. (1990), 52 Ohio St.3d 279. In any case, this court has found that the award of front pay was improper. The trial court did not err in allowing Potocnik's testimony concerning damages. Accordingly, this assignment of error is overruled. -23- The trial court's order granting a new trial is reversed and vacated. The award of future damages is reversed and vacated. The award of back pay and punitive damages is affirmed. Judgment is therefore entered for the plaintiff in the amount of $81,432 for back pay and $150,000 for punitive damages for a total of $231,432. It is also ordered that the plaintiff be reinstated with full seniority and benefits. This case is remanded for further proceedings. -24- This cause is affirmed in part, reversed in part, and remanded for proceedings consistent with this opinion. Costs are divided equally between plaintiff-appellant and defendant-appellee. It is ordered that a special mandate be sent to said court to carry this judgment into execution. A certified copy of this entry shall constitute the mandate pursuant to Rule 27 of the Rules of Appellate Procedure. SWEENEY, JAMES D., P.J., and HARPER, J., CONCUR. JOSEPH J. NAHRA JUDGE N.B. This entry is made pursuant to the third sentence of Rule 22(D), Ohio Rules of Appellate Procedure. This is an announcement of decision (see Rule 26). Ten (10) days from the date hereof this document will be stamped to indicate journalization, at which time .