Court Opinion

ID: 9583760
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-21 22:41:48.756774+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T14:59:35.793380
License: Public Domain

HERNANDEZ, Judge (dissenting). I respectfully dissent. In my opinion defendant’s third point of error is well taken. Rule 9(g) provides: “When items of special damage are claimed, they shall be specifically stated.” As I read the fourth paragraph of plaintiff’s complaint, it alleges general damages only. General damages are defined as those which are the natural consequence of the act complained of. Dr. Salazar’s single three-hour examination of the plaintiff discl'osed an individual whose emotional stability was very delicate or percarious prior to the accident, by reason of his ethnic origin, the small rural community where he was born and reared, and the very inferior schooling which he received. Dr. Salazar concluded the physical injury plaintiff received has resulted in permanent damage to his psyche. He is now very apprehensive not only about his ability to compete in life but even to survive. Also, he now has grave misgivings about his virility. Such results, in my opinion, are not the natural consequence of a minor traffic accident and in fairness to the defendant should have been pleaded with considerable particularity. I do not believe the letter that plaintiff’s counsel sent to defendant’s counsel advising him “Salvador Higgins will be examined by Dr. Salazar on June 26th.”, takes the place of or constitutes compliance with Rule 9(g).