Opinion ID: 864432
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: whether the judgment of the trial court was

Text: EXCESSIVE AND AGAINST THE OVERWHELMING WEIGHT OF THE EVIDENCE WHEN LIPSEY IGNORED THE BLUE LIGHTS OF THE POLICE AND ONLY SUSTAINED $2,239.00 IN MEDICAL BILLS. ¶25. The findings of a circuit court judge sitting without a jury are safe on appeal where they are supported by substantial, credible, and reasonable evidence. City of Jackson v. Perry, 764 So.2d at 376 (citing Puckett v. Stuckey, 633 So.2d 978, 982 (Miss. 1993); Sweet Home Water & Sewer Ass'n v. Lexington Estates, Ltd., 613 So.2d 864, 872 (Miss. 1993); Allied Steel Corp. v. Cooper, 607 So.2d 113, 119 (Miss. 1992)). In Simpson v. City of Pickens, 761 So. 2d 855 (Miss. 2000), this Court adopted the preponderance of evidence standard of proof to be applied in all Miss. Code Ann. § 11-46-9(1)(c) cases. 10 We hold that a governmental agency and its employees acting within the course and scope of their employment or duties shall not be liable for any claim arising out of any act or omission of an employee of a governmental entity engaged in the performance or execution of duties or activities relating to police or fire protection unless it is proved by a preponderance of the evidence that the employee acted in reckless disregard of the safety and wellbeing of any person (claimant) not engaged in criminal activity at the time of injury. Id. at 859. Because we have affirmed the trial court's holding that Officer Baker acted in reckless disregard to the safety of others by failing to use his headlights, blue lights or siren, we will only address this issue as it relates to the award of damages. ¶26. The City argues the amount of damages awarded to Lipsey was excessive and was not supported by the evidence. Lipsey, however, argues the trial court correctly weighed all relevant evidence in determining the amount of damages which were to be awarded. ¶27. Without objection from opposing counsel, the trial court admitted into evidence Lipsey's exhibit which showed his medical expenses totaled $2,239.00. Lipsey also testified he lost wages as a result of the accident from his two jobs in the amount of $2,018.00 and the damage to his car totaled $2,800.00. Lipsey also testified in great detail about the pain he suffered the two weeks after the accident. He was unable to work either job. He was barely able to move and relied on his family to assist him during that two-week period. He was required to take pain medication for the injuries to his lower back. ¶28. The trial court determined Lipsey's undisputed damages, consisting of medical bills, lost wages and damage to his vehicle, amounted to $7,057.09. The trial court then determined Lipsey was entitled to $25,000 for past physical pain and suffering and mental anguish. 11 ¶29. Considering the evidence the trial court evaluated in determining damages for Lipsey, the damages award is not unreasonable in amount as to strike mankind at first blush as being beyond all measure, unreasonable in amount and outrageous. Harvey v. Wall, 649 So.2d 184, 187 (Miss. 1995)(citing Rodgers v. Pascagoula Pub. Sch. Dist., 611 So.2d 942, 945 (Miss. 1992)). Therefore, this argument is without merit.