Opinion ID: 1896723
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: past and future medical expenses

Text: Along with the element of pain and suffering, the element of past and future medical expenses is essential to this case. As proof of her past medical expenses, counsel for Mrs. Jackson offered into evidence several medical bills totaling $3,756.64. With this cost in mind, counsel for Mrs. James argues that Dr. Lipton's bill of approximately $2,000.00 was excessive, unnecessary and unreasonable. In support of this contention, defendant asserts that although Miss. Code Ann. § 41-9-119 (1972) provides that proof that medical bills were incurred because of injury is prima facie evidence that the bills were necessary and reasonable, the opposing party may present proof rebutting the necessity and reasonableness of the bills. This Court has stated: When a party takes the witness stand and exhibits bills for examination by the court and testifies that said bills were incurred as a result of the injuries complained of, they become prima facie evidence that the bills were necessary and reasonable. However, the opposing party may, if desired, rebut the necessity and reasonableness of the bills by proper evidence. The ultimate question is then for the jury to determine. Jackson v. Brumfield, 458 So.2d 736, 737 (Miss. 1984). On the other hand, plaintiff argues that to allow the presumption of necessity and reasonableness, as set out in the statute, to be overcome by the simple method of refuting the reasonableness of the charge defeats the intent and purpose of § 41-9-119 (1972) and renders it useless. With this in mind, counsel for Mrs. Jackson protests that the jury honestly did not follow the instructions of the court. Therein, he feels the trial judge was correct in ordering an additur.