Opinion ID: 1347493
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: Finally, defendants contend the verdict was excessive.

Text: The evidence discloses plaintiff's decedent was 43 at time of death, a person of that age having a life expectancy of 29.54 years; she was married; the mother of four children, one of 10 years at home, the others 21, 23 and 26; a good wife and neat housekeeper; helped her husband with his farm work; was employed, earning $130 each month as a nurse's aide; pleasant, congenial and active in her church. The verdict for $23,620 was challenged by a motion for new trial. This motion was overruled and judgment accordingly entered. We have repeatedly dealt with this matter but will again set forth applicable standards. A comparison of verdicts is of little value in determining whether an award in a particular case is excessive. Each must be evaluated according to the evidence peculiar to it alone. And in dealing with the subject we recognize the declining purchasing power of the dollar. It is not for us to invade the province of the jury. We will not alter a verdict unless it is, (1) flagrantly excessive or inadequate; or (2) so out of reason as to shock the conscience or sense of justice; or (3) raises a presumption it is the result of passion, prejudice or other ulterior motive; or (4) is lacking in evidential support. In support of the foregoing see Beyer v. City of Dubuque, 258 Iowa 476, 139 N.W.2d 428, 436. A verdict for death of a six year old girl in the sum of $28,000 was reduced by remittitur to $12,000 in Hurtig v. Bjork, 258 Iowa 155, 138 N.W.2d 62. But in the case now before us the value of services of a wife and mother, and a wage earner, are also involved. Defendants cite no authority which can be said to sustain their position on this issue. Although not necessarily determinative, the jury here resolved the matter of damages on all the evidence presented and the trial court found no cause to disagree. We are satisfied the verdict in this case was reasonable and fair under all attendant circumstances.