Opinion ID: 1577210
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The Issues Submitted to the Jury.

Text: In her petition in this action, Mrs. Humpal's personal representative claimed wrongful-death damages based on the alleged negligence of Dr. Adrian. The elements of damage requested in the petition included loss of accumulation to the decedent's estate, interest on funeral and burial expenses, and physical and mental suffering. [2] During the trial, there were amendments to conform to proof that added claims for predeath loss of full mind and body and lost chance of survival. [3] In addition, the personal representatives asked to amend to conform to proof and include claims for loss of services and support recoverable under Iowa Code section 613.15 (2001). That request was denied by the court as untimely. At the conclusion of plaintiff's evidence, Dr. Adrian moved for a directed verdict. That motion was sustained with respect to the claim for loss of accumulation by the estate on the ground that there was insufficient evidence of such loss. The motion was overruled as to the other items of damage. The items of damage submitted for the jury's consideration were: interest on burial expenses predeath physical and mental pain and suffering predeath loss of full mind and body lost chance of survival As to all of these items of damage, the jury was instructed that to recover the personal representative must prove that the damages claimed were proximately caused by Dr. Adrian's negligence and the amount of the damages. With respect to the claim for lost chance of survival, the jury was instructed: Damages recoverable [for this item] are limited to the value of this loss of chance. This is measured by the difference between the chance of survival if treatment had been given at the earlier time, and the chance of survival at the time when treatment was given. Plaintiff may not recover for harm caused by the preexisting condition to which defendant's negligence did not contribute. The jury found that the following damages were proximately caused by Dr. Adrian's negligence: interest on burial expense $ 3,500 predeath physical and mental pain and suffering $100,000 predeath loss of full mind and body $ 25,000 lost chance of survival $125,000 TOTAL $253,500