Opinion ID: 1903369
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: whether the trial court erred in denying purdon's motion for directed verdict as to mrs. locke's claim and in granting jury instruction p-7.

Text: ¶ 16. Purdon's next contention is that his motion for a directed verdict should have been granted as no evidence was introduced to prove that as a result of her husband's injuries, she suffered a loss of consortium. See Tribble v. Gregory, 288 So.2d 13, 17 (Miss.1974). In the alternative, Purdon argues that the evidence did not support P-7, the loss of consortium instruction. See DeLaughter v. Lawrence County. Hosp., 601 So.2d 818, 824 (Miss. 1992). In essence, Purdon suggests that there is insufficient evidence to support the jury's verdict. ¶ 17. As we have already discussed the standard of review applied to jury verdicts as well as trial judge's rulings, we need not reiterate the tests here. Put simply, testimony and evidence were properly introduced and evince a serious decline in the Lockes' relationship subsequent to the injury. Larry Locke testified that he was very sore and had to sleep a few nights in a recliner. When he was discharged, the doctor told him not to lift anything and to take it easy; he continues to have problems with lifting anything heavy. He testified that he has bad nightmares and could not control his emotions. Because of his mood swings, he had to take nerve pills and sleeping pills. Mr. Locke testified that he suffers emotional instability and this has affected his relationship with his wife. From this testimony, it is reasonable for the jury to infer loss of spousal assistance and affection. ¶ 18. Rita Locke testified that before his surgery, her husband was outgoing, friendly, caring, and enjoyable to be around. After the surgery, she testified that for a long period of time he would get upset with her and the kids and frustrated because he could not do the things he could before. According to Mrs. Locke, her husband complained about pain and had trouble sleeping. He would sleep in the chair a lot and he did not care to be around her as much. This emotional and physical change in behavior, she testified, adversely affected her relationship with her husband. From the testimony given by Mrs. Locke, it was reasonable for the jury to infer that her relationship with her husband was adversely affected. Although there were limited direct questions concerning the couple's relationship, Giving the verdict all favorable inferences from all of the evidence, in the record adequately supports the loss of consortium instruction, which certainly makes the denial of the motion for directed verdict within the trial judge's discretion.