Opinion ID: 1339776
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Was the Verdict Excessive?

Text: In his written opinion, the trial judge accurately summarized the evidence on the issue of damages, as follows: In arriving at its decision the Court has weighed the following factors, to-wit: The plaintiff's age; the life expectancy of the plaintiff; the nature, extent and duration of the injury sustained by the plaintiff; the effect of the injury on the normal activities of the plaintiff; and the nature and extent of his suffering, humiliation and embarrassment. It is significant to note that there was no evidence adduced from which damages for medical expenses, cost of special treatment, or loss of earning capacity could be ascertained, and that the damage instruction given at the request of the plaintiff did not include these elements of damage. The opinion recited the following principles set forth in Smithey v. Refining Co., 203 Va. 142, 146, 122 S.E.2d 872, 876 (1961): But if it appears that the verdict is so excessive as to shock the conscience of the court and to create the impression that the jury has been influenced by passion, corruption or prejudice, or has misconceived or misunderstood the facts or the law, or if the award is so out of proportion to the injuries suffered to suggest that it is not the product of a fair and impartial decision, then it becomes the plain duty of the judge, acting within his legal authority, to correct the injustice. Applying these principles, the trial court concluded that the verdict was so excessive that it shocked the conscience of the court; that there was no suggestion of corruption or prejudice on the part of the jury, but the other grounds for setting aside the verdict were present; and that the court was satisfied that the jury was influenced by sympathy for the plaintiff. Accordingly, the court set aside the verdict and ordered a new trial on all issues. In the decision of this case we cannot say as a matter of law the trial judge abused his discretion, and we therefore cannot reverse his action.