125 S.W.2d 453 | Ark. | 1939
We determine whether judgment shall stand on a verdict to compensate personal injuries appellee claims she sustained December 20, 1937.
Twenty-three errors are assigned. Those urged are: (1) That because of appellee's contributory negligence a verdict should have been instructed for defendant. (2) That defendant's cause was prejudiced through the court's refusal to give requested instruction No. 3.1 (3) That the verdict and judgment are grossly excessive.
Appellee alleges she was injured while proceeding south on Cedar street in Hot Springs, occasioned when a truck owned by appellant backed out of a driveway. It was estimated that repairs to appellee's car would cost $37.50. Both the truck and appellee's car were moving slowly — perhaps seven or eight miles per hour — when the impact occurred. Appellee's car was pushed "forward and over" about eighteen inches or two feet. Appellee was driving. Her husband occupied the front seat with her and testified that the thrust of the collision forced him against appellee, and that she, in turn, was "knocked against the left-hand door." Appellee claims to have been stunned; that "everything turned black," and she "had no recollection of anything," but thought the glass "coming in all over me" restored consciousness.2 *700
A verdict signed by nine of the jurors allowed compensation of $6,500. The court found this sum excessive and ordered a reduction of $1,500; or, in the alternative, a new trial if the remittitur were not entered within five days. This conditional order3 was set aside and judgment entered on the verdict. By certiorari there was brought to this court an order entered almost five months later amending the orders of June 20 and June 29.4 The amended order shows that in the absence of appellant and his attorneys, and without notice to them, one of appellee's attorneys consented to the remittitur.
The accident occurred in circumstances which presented a question of fact for the jury. Appellee and her *701 husband testified that as the truck backed into the street it was observed. Appellee says she constantly sounded her car horn; that the truck stopped, then started again, and that she thought the driver heard her signals and stopped on that account. From this and other evidence the jury was warranted in finding that appellant's driver was negligent.
Suit was filed January 7, 1938, alleging that . . . "the plaintiff suffered a severe and permanent injury in the region of the lumbar portion of her back; also an injury to the back of her spine near the base of her head."
At the time the complaint was filed appellee had not been told by any physician what her injuries were. The evidence indicates that perhaps Dr. Garrett was called by appellee or her sister the day of the accident. Thereafter Dr. Bowman was in attendance. January 9, 1938, Dr. Randolph was called. None of the physicians found any bruises, abrasions, cuts, contusions, or other demonstrable injuries. Dr. Randolph testified: "Of course there seemed to be quite a few sensitive spots along the spine and the lower part of the neck, and she was sore through the abdomen and chest."
Appellee had formerly weighed 230 pounds, but at the time of the accident was somewhat lighter. In response to a hypothetical question directed by attorneys for plaintiff, Dr. Randolph answered that concurrence of the conditions enumerated could have caused the injuries complained of. Included in the question was a statement that appellee had been thrown to the floor of the car. There was no testimony supporting this assumption. However, no objection was interposed.
Appellee's blood pressure was from 230 over 110 to 250 over 125. December 26, 1937, Dr. Ellis examined appellee. Appellee told the physician she had not been bruised and that her condition was probably due to shock. At the time of Dr. Bowman's visit appellee did not complain of injury to her back or spine.
The following is from Dr. Randolph's cross-examination:
"Q. Did you. yourself, in your examination, find anything in particular that caused the injuries from which *702 she suffered? A. Only subjective symptoms from the patient herself. Q. In other words, when you say `subjective,' you mean only symptoms she tells you she suffered. A. Yes. Q. But your examinations have not revealed any injury in any form from which she was suffering? A. No."
It should be remembered Dr. Randolph was appellee's witness — her physician — the one upon whom she principally relied for professional support of her claim of injury. There was uncontradicted medical evidence that high blood pressure would not be attributed to an accident such as appellee experienced. On the contrary, it was testified that traumatic conditions (injuries or wounds) tend to produce low blood pressure.
Although appellee vigorously denied that she was in any manner afflicted prior to the accident, there is this testimony: "Q. What do you mean by nerve tonic? A. Aromatic spirits of ammonia. That is my medicine."
It seems certain, in the light of facts presented, that the collision between appellee's car and appellant's truck was not severe. The car door on the right side was bent in, its glass was broken, and some other damage was done; and yet, the car was not moved more than two feet. Ordinarily an impact throws passengers in the direction from which the force proceeds. For example, when head-on collisions occur, occupants of front seats are thrown against or through the windshield. Appellee 's husband, however, says that in the instant case the rule of physics was reversed, and he was thrown or pushed to the left against his wife.
It was agreed, prior to trial, that X-ray pictures did not show injuries. In spite of this agreement, Dr. Randolph (without fault on the part of appellee's attorneys) stated: "All I base my stuff on is the X-ray." Asked if he saw the X-ray, the doctor replied: "No. It wouldn't have done any good for me to see it, because I can't read it."
We have grave doubts that the evidence is sufficient to sustain a recovery of more than nominal damages. This doubt, however, is resolved in favor of appellee by allowing a new trial — a trial to be had in circumstances *703 free from the prejudice recognized by the trial court, as reflected in its finding that the verdict was excessive. It is our view that after deducting $1,500, the amount is still grossly excessive.
In Singer Manufacturing Company v. Rogers,
In Catlett v. St. Louis, I. M. S. Railway Company,
In the view that we have taken it becomes unnecessary to discuss the other assignments of errors.
We reverse the judgment, and remand the cause for a new trial.
HUMPHREYS and MEHAFFY, JJ., dissent.