1. In this case, which party had to prove that the jurisdictional amount requirement was met?
2. How did the court in this case assure itself as to the extent and nature of the plaintiff’s damages?
3. What provision of the Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure makes it more difficult for litigants to determine the amount of a plaintiff’s damages?

Robert M. Parker, Circuit Judge
. . . Plaintiff brought this action on September 23, 1998, in the Twenty-First Judicial District Court of Louisiana, alleging claims arising from her injuries suffered in one of Defendant-Appellee Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.’s (“Defendant”) stores in Hammond, Louisiana, on October 5, 1997. Plaintiff suffered her injuries when she went into the produce section of the store and slipped and fell in liquid, dirt, and produces on the floor. Plaintiff alleged in her original state court petition that she sustained injuries to her right wrist, left knee and patella, and upper and lower back. . . . Plaintiff alleged damages for medical expenses, physical pain and suffering, mental anguish and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of wages and earning capacity, and permanent disability and disfigurement. . . . . Consistent with Article 893 of the Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure, which prohibits the allegation of a specific amount of damages, Plaintiff did not pray for a specific amount of damages.