Opinion ID: 1924529
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 10

Heading: Whether the trial court properly permitted testimony regarding Hailey's enjoyment of life.

Text: ¶ 43. Hailey's counsel called numerous character witnesses, who testified about Hailey and his family. Many of the witnesses testified about Hailey's loss of enjoyment of life. CMF argues that this testimony was irrelevant since hedonic damages are not recoverable in wrongful death cases. [3] CMF contends that the purpose, intent and effect of putting these witnesses on the stand was the needless presentation of cumulative evidence which was irrelevant and to unfairly prejudice CMF. CMF also maintains that the trial court erred in allowing this testimony pursuant to Miss. R. Evid. 403. ¶ 44. Hailey contends that the court did not err in permitting character witnesses to testify regarding loss of society, companionship and enjoyment of life of the deceased. The testimony of these witnesses was not unduly cumulative or prejudicial as they testified to necessary elements of the plaintiff's claim for damages. ¶ 45. In Carr v. State, 208 So.2d 886, 888 (Miss.1968), this Court held that where a defendant offered twenty character witnesses, the trial court properly limited the testimony on this point to eleven character witnesses. Hailey argues that while the testimony in the case at bar and in Carr v. State is cumulative, it is necessary to prove the essential elements of plaintiffs' claims. Hailey had approximately sixteen potential witnesses to testify on enjoyment of life and loss of society issues. However, the court limited this testimony to five witnesses. This does not violate any rule, standard or proscription enunciated by this Court. ¶ 46. In Stancill v. McKenzie Tank Lines, Inc., 497 F.2d 529, 537 (5th Cir. 1974), the court held that the admission of cumulative testimony, even if it was error, was harmless. Accordingly, Hailey submits that the court properly permitted the foregoing witnesses to testify. We hold that if any error was committed, it was harmless and did not affect the substantive rights of CMF.