Opinion ID: 852350
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: The Jury Instruction Correctly Stated the Law

Text: I also disagree with the majority's observation that it was improper to instruct the jury that [s]tatements of charges for medical, hospital or other health care expenses for diagnosis or treatment occasioned by an injury constitute prima [facie] evidence that the charges are reasonable and fair. Supra at 859. This instruction closely tracks Rule 413, which provides: Statements of charges for medical, hospital or other health care expenses for diagnosis or treatment occasioned by an injury are admissible into evidence. Such statements shall constitute prima facie evidence that the charges are reasonable. Ind. Evid. R. 413. I do not think a trial court errs by accurately instructing a jury as to what this Court's own rule establishes, especially when the record reflects no objection at trial by the defendant, when the defendant does not challenge the instruction on appeal, when the defendant agrees that the instruction accurately recited Rule 413, and when the defendant approvingly describes the instruction as the proper measure of damages. See Br. of Appellant at 1, 6, 11.