Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel Corp. v. Beelman River Terminals, Inc.

Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel (plaintiff) sued warehouse operator Beelman River Terminals (defendant) for negligence after river flooding damaged stored steel. At trial, Beelman's expert Dr. Curtis, a qualified hydrologist specializing in flood risk, testified both that Beelman properly assessed flood risk and, separately, that Beelman's warehousing practices properly prepared for and responded to the flood, despite having no background in warehouse operations. Beelman prevailed, and Wheeling Pitt appealed, challenging Curtis's qualification to opine on warehouse flood preparation and response.

Whether, to be admissible, expert witness testimony must relate to the specific area in which the witness actually has expertise.