Opinion ID: 1809717
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: whether the trial court abused its discretion in denying brandon's motion for a new trial based on the overwhelming weight of the evidence.

Text: ¶ 18. A trial court should grant a motion for new trial only if it believes the jury's verdict is contrary to the law or against the overwhelming weight of the evidence. Allstate Ins. Co. v. McGory, 697 So.2d 1171, 1174 (Miss.1997). On review, we will not overturn the denial of a motion for new trial unless the trial judge abused his discretion. Gleeton v. State, 716 So.2d 1083, 1089 (Miss.1998). Again, we examine all of the evidence supporting the verdict as true and would have to find it hopelessly lacking. Allstate, 697 So.2d at 1174. ¶ 19. Once again, Brandon asks us to reexamine and reweigh the facts of this case. Many of its points and evidence have already been discussed under the first assignment of error. Brandon again argues that the evidence actually points to a septic condition as the cause for cardiac failure followed by respiratory failure. It goes on to assert that Dr. Chalhub's version of causation shows that the nursing staff, especially a non-ICU staff, would have no advance warning of a life-threatening problem. Brandon goes step by step through the entire evening explaining how each action was appropriate and how each inaction did not constitute negligence. ¶ 20. As Bradshaw points out, Brandon's theory has one fatal flaw: the jury and the judge heard all of this evidence and rejected it in favor of the experts and plentiful evidence put forth by Bradshaw. As the discussion of Issue I illustrated, both sides put on evidence in support of their cases, and the jury and trial judge had an opportunity to hear and weigh it all. As has been stated numerous times: The demeanor or bearing, the tone of voice, the attitude and appearance of the witnesses, all are primarily for inspection and review by the jury. The jury not only has the right and duty to determine the truth or falsity of the witnesses, but also has the right to evaluate and determine what portions of the testimony of any witness it will accept or reject; therefore, unless it is clear to this Court that the verdict is contrary to the overwhelming weight of the credible testimony, this Court will not set aside the verdict of a jury. Wells Fargo Armored Serv. Corp. v. Turner, 543 So.2d 154, 156 (Miss.1989) (citing Travelers Indem. Co. v. Rawson, 222 So.2d 131, 134 (Miss.1969)). We do not so find; thus, we will not set aside the jury's verdict. This issue is without merit.