Opinion ID: 555084
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Application of the Eggshell Skull Doctrine.

Text: 43 Munn argues that the eggshell skull doctrine, which requires a defendant to compensate a plaintiff for unforeseeable injury flowing from some pre-existing condition, entitles him to compensation for his wife's wrongful death. Munn attempts to extend the doctrine's application to situations in which the plaintiff's pre-existing condition is mental rather than physical. 44 However, the principle has been applied only to pre-existing physical injuries. See, e.g., W. Keeton, D. Dobbs, R. Keeton, & D. Owen, Prosser & Keeton on Torts Sec. 43 at 291 (1984) (referring to victim's concealed physical condition) (emphasis added); Restatement (Second) of Torts Sec. 461 (1977) (same). We decline the invitation to extend its scope, absent substantial indication that the state courts of Mississippi would do so. Accordingly, the court did not err in refusing to apply the eggshell skull doctrine to the instant case, and its denial of Munn's new trial motion in this respect is affirmed. 14 45