Opinion ID: 1831327
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: past and future physical pain and suffering

Text: From February, 1985, when the accident occurred, until March, 1987, when surgery was performed, Mrs. Walton suffered from neck, back, shoulder and arm pain and headaches. She tried physical therapy and conservative treatment for her injuries for two years with little or no improvement. She continued to work in pain despite her injuries until July of 1986. Her mother and husband had to take over more and more household and childrearing duties. She steadily gained weight and increased the types of medication she was taking. Her surgery left her with a 15% anatomical impairment. Dr. Llewellyn explained that Mrs. Walton would be disabled or restricted in some actions such as repetitive bending, stooping, and lifting. Dr. Llewellyn testified that Mrs. Walton's surgical results were successful. However, after surgery, she continued to complain of neck pain, to gain weight and to take medications. Dr. Llewellyn testified that given her associated health problems, Mrs. Walton would require continued medication. He recommended physical therapy which should relieve some of the physical discomfort. He further testified that if Mrs. Walton's associated health problems improved, her overall physical condition should improve. We find that the record clearly reveals that the trial judge abused his discretion in awarding $300,000 for past and future physical pain and suffering. We consider the maximum amount reasonably within the discretion of the trial judge to be $150,000. Accordingly, the court of appeal erred in reducing the award to $50,000.