Opinion ID: 1807960
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: charlene matkins

Text: Immediately after the accident, Charlene was transported by ambulance to the Union County General Hospital, where she was treated for multiple bruises and contusions. She remained there for several days. Subsequently, she was again hospitalized for pain in the chest, left arm, back and neck, which her family physician attributed to the accident.  Charlene continued to experience pain, and approximately one month after the accident, she was diagnosed as having thoracic outlet syndrome, a condition caused by compression of the nerves and blood vessels leading from the chest area to the arm. Her family physician testified that the thoracic outlet syndrome was precipitated by the accident, and the surgeon who treated her for the syndrome testified that it was caused by the accident. To relieve the discomfort resulting from the syndrome, a surgical procedure was performed in which ninety percent (90%) of a rib was removed. As a consequence of the surgery, Charlene developed a blood clot which necessitated two more hospitalizations. The record indicates that Charlene's medical bills were in excess of $12,000.00 The jury verdict for Charlene was $5,271.70. We have reviewed the evidence and are of the opinion that, considering the evidence in the light most favorable to the appellee Maurice Lee, the verdict of the jury as to Charlene Matkins is not responsive to the evidence and is against the overwhelming weight of the evidence. We are also of the opinion that the verdict is so inadequate as to evince bias, passion and prejudice on the part of the jury. Edwards by Edwards v. Patrick by Patrick, 469 So.2d 92 (Miss. 1985); Jackson v. Brumfield, 458 So.2d 736 (Miss. 1984); Koock v. Fletcher Construction Co., 235 So.2d 462 (Miss. 1970). Such bias, passion and prejudice are inferred, in part, by contrasting the amount of the verdict and the amount of the damages. City of Jackson v. Ainsworth, 462 So.2d 325 (Miss. 1984); Walton v. Scott, 365 So.2d 630 (Miss. 1978). The verdict also makes it manifest that nothing was awarded for pain and suffering. We therefore reverse and remand for a new trial on damages only.