Opinion ID: 449688
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: I.Code Ann. tit. 5, Sec. 76(e)(1) (1984 Supp.) provides:

Text: Each survivor may recover the value of ... future loss of support and services from the date of death and reduced to present value. In evaluating loss of support and services, the survivor's relationship to the decedent, the amount of the decedent's probable net income available for distribution to the particular survivor, and the replacement value of the decedent's services to the survivor may be considered. In computing the duration of future losses, the joint life expectancies of the survivors and the decedent and the period of minority in the case of healthy minor children may be considered. (emphasis supplied). Although our reading of the statute suggests that a minor child would not necessarily be precluded from recovering for losses beyond the period of his or her minority, Walters' children have not challenged the district court's instruction. For the purposes of this appeal, we must assume that the jury's calculations for lost future support were limited to the period of the children's minority. 7 The Virgin Islands wrongful death statute permits recovery for lost parental companionship, instruction and guidance and for mental pain and suffering from the date of injury. V.I.Code Ann. tit. 5, Sec. 76(e)(3) (1984 Supp.) 8 The jury was instructed that [w]ith respect to pain and suffering, and protection, loss of parental guidance ... you may consider ... a sum that would reasonably compensate that person for any pain and suffering already suffered, proximately caused by the injury in question, or that they may continue to suffer in the future, which is reasonably certain. App. at 964.