Opinion ID: 1735503
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Whether damages were supported by medical proof in terms of probability.

Text: ¶ 30. The City contends that the trial court erred in finding that Tammy's injuries were permanent and this error is reflected in the award of damages to her. It argues that the medical evidence does not support the award and the finding of permanent injury is contrary to the evidence. [1] ¶ 31. The Richardsons point out that Dr. Keith Melancon's medical records reflect that Tammy had a grade two lateral ligament complex left ankle sprain. They state that Tammy physically demonstrated to the court the condition of her ankle and testified about continuing problems with the ankle, then three and one-half (3 1/2) years post accident. The defendants provided the court with no testimony to rebut Tammy's contention of injury to her ankle, of indefinite duration. ¶ 32. Tammy was transported to South Central Regional Medical Center and then to Forrest General Hospital where she was admitted for six days. Tammy was diagnosed with a sprained left ankle, bilateral pulmonary contusions, multiple rib fractures [2] and possible Thoracic 11, Thoracic 12 and Lumbar 1 compression fracture. [3] ¶ 33. During her hospitalization, Tammy underwent physical therapy and respiratory therapy. Tammy was discharged, with a prescription for Tylox and Valium [4] and went home. But later that same day, she sneezed, causing her to lose her breath, and was taken back to the hospital where she was hospitalized for an additional three days. ¶ 34. Tammy testified that she underwent physical therapy once a week for six weeks and had two follow-up visits with Dr. Melancon for her ankle while was swollen and painful. Dr. Melancon gave her three injections to her ankle to try to reduce the swelling. Tammy's last visit to Dr. Melancon was in March of 2000. ¶ 35. Tammy testified how the accident impacted her life. Prior to the accident, she did all the cooking, cleaning and laundry along with gardening and yard work. After the accident, she wore a back brace for approximately a month after being discharged from the hospital. Following being discharged from the hospital, she wasn't able to do anything for herself and Shana and her husband both had to help her bathe and they did all the cooking, cleaning and laundry. ¶ 36. During February, Tammy was still using the back brace but could bathe herself and take care of herself. It was in March that she started her normal household activities. ¶ 37. Tammy was in her last semester at Jones County Community College, and her instructors found an old recliner and placed it in the classroom so she wouldn't have to sit up straight. This allowed her to graduate on schedule. ¶ 38. Following graduation, Tammy was employed by Entel Corporation. Tammy testified her injuries made it difficult to perform her duties: If I was on maintenance that night, if I had to so a lot of reaching and stretching over my tools, by the end of the evening, my left side would be sore, my back would be sore. By the end of my shift, my complete shift, my foot and ankle would swollen (sic) so badly that I had to take my shoes off. In fact, I even purchased one size larger and just tied the shoelaces tighter because I knew by the end of the evening, I was going to be filling them up with the swelling. Tammy worked for Entel for a year and then took medical leave. ¶ 39. Regarding lingering effects from the injuries she sustained in the accident, Tammy testified over three years post accident: I still have the swollen ankle, and swollen foot every day if I am standing on my feet. If I've been on my feet doing housework, by the end of the day it is swollen. Then I also get  I call them Charlie horses. Muscle spasms, or whatever you want to call them. If I happen to stretch my left arm out, I get them on my left side and towards the back. Other than that, it's mostly the ankle that has been the biggest problem. ¶ 40. Dr. Kirk Banquer, a general surgeon, was deposed, and his deposition was entered into evidence at the close of the trial. Dr. Banquer first saw Tammy on December 22, 1999, the night of the accident. Dr. Banquer testified regarding Tammy's injuries and her treatment while she was hospitalized, and stated that Tammy had fractured three ribs in the accident, and was complaining primarily of chest pain, lower back pain, and left hip pain. Dr. Banquer opined that, based upon a reasonable degree of medical certainty, there was no future limiting problem or restrictions of physical activities because of her rib fractures. However, he did give her instructions to follow-up with Dr. Melancon for treatment for her ankle and spine fractures. ¶ 41. The trial judge stated: I further find that Shana Richardson has fully recovered from the injury to her right elbow and shoulder without permanent injury or impairment. Tammy Richardson, however, suffered severe pain from her injuries. She has recovered from the injury to her ribs but continues to have pain and swelling in her ankle which will continue indefinitely and must therefore be considered as a permanent injury. Tammy testified to the fact that she still had problems with pain and swelling three and a half years after the accident. She testified that a place on her ankle stays swollen and is completely numb. Any witness is competent to testify who has evidentiary facts within his personal knowledge, gained through any of his senses. A nonprofessional witness may describe personal injuries. Physical pain, weakness, exhaustion and the like are matters one may testify about. Stratton v. Webb, 513 So.2d 587, 590 (Miss.1987). This Court finds that the testimony of pain and swelling three and a half years after the accident was sufficient to find an injury of indefinite duration. Thus, this issue is without merit.