Opinion ID: 2639484
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Reasonable persons could differ as to whether Horton had achieved maximum cure.

Text: Horton first claims in his cross-appeal that no reasonable person could have found Horton was at maximum cure and, therefore, the jury verdict should be reversed. Specifically, Horton alleges that there was no evidence to support the jury's decision that Horton had reached maximum cure. We will reverse the jury's finding only if the evidence is so clearly to the contrary that `reasonable persons could not differ in their judgment.' [90] Maintenance and cure is a doctrine that applies to seamen injured while in the service of the ship. [91] Maintenance is a sum for living expenses during the period of treatment and convalescence, and cure pays for medical expenses. An injured seaman is entitled to cure until the seaman is at maximum cure, meaning the point at which no improvement in the seaman's medical condition is to be reasonably expected. [92] Cure is limited to curative, as opposed to palliative, medical treatment. [93] Considering the high standard applicable to the jury's determination and the testimony before the court, reasonable persons could differ as to whether Horton had reached maximum cure. Horton's own orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Vasileff, testified that he would not recommend any further medical treatment for Horton: Q: The last time you saw him, would you have recommended any further treatment for the leg or ankle? A: No. Q: Or notleg or the foot, excuse me. A: No. Q: Okay. And why is that? A: Well, it wasthe fracture was healing, theI thought we probably did what we could. Now, in terms of the nerve pain, certainly, that could haveyou know, you could investigate that further to see if something could be done. Dr. Brown, who treats Horton's diabetes, [94] testified that Horton has chronic pain and depression. Dr. Brown is not a psychiatrist however. Dr. Craig, a clinical neuropsychologist, testified that chronic pain treatment is geared toward helping people learn how to cope with the discomfort. He then added, there's nothing magical about pain programs that's going to make the discomfort just go away.... In other words, the expert witnesses did suggest stabilizing treatments, but it is questionable whether Horton's pain or depression would improve or could be cured over time. We conclude that reasonable persons could differ as to whether Horton had reached maximum cure and therefore we will not overturn the jury verdict.