Opinion ID: 1976643
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Pre-Verdict Interest

Text: Dr. Weisband and ROPA finally contend that even if the trial court was correct in not entering judgment n.o.v. and they are not entitled to a new trial, the court erred in awarding delay damages without considering the criteria set forth in Craig v. Magee Memorial Rehabilitation Center, 512 Pa. 60, 515 A.2d 1350 (1986). In Craig, our Supreme Court recognized that defendants could be unfairly penalized under Rule 238 for delays caused by plaintiffs. The Court suspended Rule 238 and held that claims for delay damages are to be presented by petition within five days of a jury verdict, with the respondent's answer due five days thereafter. At that point the trial court may hold a hearing to resolve any factual disputes. The Court enumerated factors which the trial court was to consider. Craig was decided on October 8, 1986, and was given prospective effect only: Those parties whose cases are now in the appellate or post-trial process, who have not asserted attacks on the Rule 238 aspect of the damage award, may not now assert such challenges. However, in those cases where the issue has been preserved, the court before whom the case resides on or after this date is to resolve the issue in a manner consistent with this opinion. Id., 512 Pa. at 66, 515 A.2d at 1353 (emphasis added). In the case at bar, the jury rendered its verdict on liability on December 18, 1985, and determined the amount of damages the following day. Immediately thereupon, counsel for Ms. Corbett made an oral motion for pre-verdict interest from September 18, 1983, to December 19, 1985. Counsel for Dr. Weisband made no objection at that time. The trial court granted the motion and instructed both counsel to calculate the damages. We have reviewed appellants' post-trial motions as well as their arguments before Judge Wright, and we do not find any timely objection to the Rule 238 damages as required by Craig. Therefore, we hold that Dr. Weisband and ROPA have waived the issue relating to the Craig factors.