Unitrin Preferred Insurance Company v. Dobra

Insured's home was damaged by fire, and jury found that construction company's actions in applying flooring finish to home was not a proximate cause of fire, and ruled in its favor. Court properly allowed construction company's expert witness, a fire scientist and fire protection engineer, to testify on cause and origin of fire, as he was qualified to testify on those subjects by experience and training. Expert's testimony did not usurp role of jury, as determination of cause and origin of fire is not a matter within common knowledge of laypersons.(CONNORS and HOFFMAN, concurring.)