Court Opinion

ID: 9646116
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-23 12:49:30.770457+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:11:34.390544
License: Public Domain

BLACKMAR, Judge,
concurring.
I reviewed Judge Higgins’ dissenting opinion and the transcript of the oral argument, along with the motion for rehearing. I agree with Judge Higgins that the petition sufficiently would plead a claim of malpractice in favor of appellant Barbara Wilson, if the element of damages adequately appeared. At oral argument, however, there was an exchange with plaintiffs’ counsel as follows:
Q. Is the only damage that you claim damage based on the thought that had this test been performed it would have indicated circumstances which would have led your client to have an abortion?
A. That’s right, your Honor.
Q. That’s the sole damage claim you make?
A. That’s right. She has so testified that had she been advised she would have had an abortion....
I agree with the principal opinion that our Court should not award damages of the kind claimed. It is appropriate that counsel be bound by statements during oral argument. These show that Barbara Wilson cannot maintain the only claim she asserts, and so was not aggrieved by the judgment.