Opinion ID: 1924529
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 11

Heading: Whether the trial court erred in submitting hedonic damages as recoverable damages.

Text: ¶ 47. The right to recover for loss of enjoyment of life is included in Miss. Code Ann. § 11-7-13 (Supp.2001) which states that in a wrongful death case, the person bringing suit is entitled to recover all damages of every kind and nature which might have been awarded to the decedent had he lived, and any damages for which the decedent's wrongful death beneficiaries sustained by reason of his death. The issue of loss of enjoyment of life was properly submitted to the jury by the trial court, and the damages awarded were not contrary to the overwhelming weight of the credible evidence. ¶ 48. The statute plainly states the fact that death was instantaneous shall in no case affect the right of recovery. Id. Although the language employed by the Legislature in the wrongful death act is far-reaching, it is clear. In keeping with this statute, we have previously upheld an award of loss of enjoyment of life (hedonic damages) in a wrongful death suit. See Thomas v. Hilburn, 654 So.2d 898 (Miss. 1995). The main difference between Thomas and the case sub judice is that the deceased in Thomas lived for six days before he died, whereas death was instantaneous in the present situation. Thomas, 654 So.2d at 900. This presents the question: How much enjoyment of life could one lose in six days? What if the deceased lived for six days (or six months or six years) in a coma? The distinction between those who may recover for loss of enjoyment of life becomes blurred when alternate scenarios are proposed. If enjoyment of life is proportional to the knowledge that one is able or unable to enjoy life, then it stands to reason that someone in a coma would not be allowed to recover hedonic damages. Following this same logic, a party who lived only a few days should only be able to recover for the loss of enjoyment he suffered in those few days. How much is one day of enjoyment of life worth? To what extent does any particular injury prevent one from enjoying life? ¶ 49. Loss of enjoyment of life is just thatloss of the ability to enjoy life in the manner to which one has become accustomed. Alive, dead, in a coma or with bodily injuries, the individual is unable to function in a way which allows him to enjoy life. Loss of enjoyment of life (hedonic damages) is an attempt to recompense the injured party for his loss. Nothing in Miss.Code Ann. § 11-7-13 says or should be construed otherwise. We find, as per the trial court's ruling, that Hailey was properly allowed to recover damages for loss of enjoyment of life.