Opinion ID: 2263407
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The Plaintiffs' Expert Testimony

Text: Sears' second claim of error challenges the Superior Court's admission into evidence of the expert opinion of Dr. Cyril Wecht, who testified that the decedent, Terry Midcap, had experienced at least 15 seconds of conscious pain and suffering before he died of the injuries he sustained in the gas explosion. Additionally Sears argues that, even if Dr. Wecht's testimony was properly admitted, the jury's award of $500,000 to Mr. Midcap's Estate was excessive. Because this case will be remanded for a new trial, it is unnecessary for us to decide those claims. On retrial, however, the admission of Dr. Wecht's opinion testimony into evidence at the first trial will not constitute the law of the case, and the trial court will be free to consider anew a Daubert [28] motion to preclude that testimony if such a motion is made. Any Daubert hearing in a re-trial should involve a comprehensive exploration of whether the proffered testimony regarding Terry Midcap's consciousness is scientifically reliable and satisfies the Delaware legal standard for pain and suffering. [29]