Tort Law for Paralegals Chapter 8

STEWART V. PARTAMIAN 2015

\fSupreme Court of Missouri, Douglas Stewart, Respondent, v. Krikor 0. Panamian, MD, and Phoenix Urology of st. Joseph, Inc., Appellants. N0. SC 94120 Decided: July 21, 2015 Kflkof Parlamian, M.D. (Di. Panamian), and Phoenix Urology of St. Joseph, lnc. (collectively Appellants), appeal from a judgment awarding $4.3 million to Douglas Stewart (Respondent) on his claim for medical negligence. Appellants argue that the trial court abused its discretion in admitting into evidence videotaped deposition testimony from Dr, John Riordan. Appellants also argue that the trial coun abused its discretion by failing to find that the verdict was excessive due to jury passion and prejudice and because it exceeded fair and reasonable compensation for Respondent's injuries. Finally, Appellants argue that the trial court erred in declining to enter an order of remittitur because section 533,300,' which prohibits defendants in medical negligence cases from seeking remittitur, violates the right to a trial by jury guaranteed by article l, section 22(a) of the Missouri constitution 1 Thejudgment is afrmed Appellants did not object at trial to the admission of Dr Rlordan's videotaped deposition testimony and,thereiore, did not preserve this issue for appellate review, Appellants have not demonstrated that the jury's verdict was excessive due to passion and prejudice or that the verdict was excessive because it exceeded lair and reasonable compensation for Respondent's injuries Finally, this court will not address Appellants constitutional challenge to section 538 300 because the failure to demonstrate that the verdict was excessive means that Appellants did not make the required threshold showing that would raise the possibility of remittiturand thereby implicate the statutory prohibition in section 530 300 Facts On May 11, 2009, Dr. Partamian diagnosed Respondent with a prostate abscess, Dr, partamian testified at trial a prostate abscess is "a collection of pus or purulent material" caused by an inammatory response to a bacterial infection. The abscess is formed when the body encapsulates the infected tissue to contain the infection A prostate abscess is a serious medical condition that requires antibiotics and, if necessary, draining the abscess by piercing it and allowing it to drain from the bodythrough the urinary tract. After diagnosing the abscess, Appellants placed Respondent on antibiotictreatrnent. On May 15, 2009, Dr. Rlordan. a member of the phoenix practice group, examined Respondent, Df, Riordan testified that his opinion was that Respondent's prostate abscess should be drained. Appellants did not drain the abscess and, instead, continued anllblotlc treatments. on May 17, 2009, Respondent's prostate abscess ruptured and. according to Dr Partamian, was 'spllling out into adjacent tissues." Dr. Rartamian performed sufgefy, The surgery required an incision between Respondent's scrotum and anus to permit drainage it also required the insertion of multiple drainage tubes to facilitate drainage. As a result ofthe abscess rupture, Respondent sustained significant injuries The infection spread into his penis, scrotum, pelvis and perineum. For 23 days, Respondent was in a coma and could breathe only with the assistance of a mechanical ventilator. The infection destroyed his urethra, causing Respondent to urinate from his perineum. Respondent's ufethra had to be reconstructed with tissue from his mouth. The infection destroyed the musculature surrounding Respondent's urethra, causing urinary incontinence Respondent's injuries also resulted in impaired reproductive function and persistent, permanent pain. Respondent sustained the foregoing injuries when he was so years old and, soon after, he was engaged to be married in June 2012, Respondent filed the underlying lawsuit alleging that Appellants negligently failed to timely drain the prostate abscess, causing the abscess to rupture. Respondent alleged that Appellants' negligence caused the injuries described above. The case proceeded to trial, and the jury returned a unanimous verdict in Respondent's favor, The jury awarded Respondent $401,725 77 for past economic damages, $1 5 million for past noneeconomlc damages and $2,398,273.23 for future non-economic damages for a total verdict of$4.3 million, This appeal followed, l. Appellants waived any objection to Dr. Riordan's deposition testimony Appellants argue thatthetrial court abused its discretion by allowing Respondent to present evidence regarding two general aspects of Dr, Riordan's videotaped deposition testimony, First, Appellants argue that the trial court erred in admitting Dr. Riordan's testimony regarding his treatment of previous patients with prostate abscesses Appellants assert that this testimony erroneously allowed Respondent to use evidence of Dr. Riordan's subjective medical opinion to to establish the objective, generally applicable standard of care. Appellants also assert that evidence of Dr Riordan's treatment of previous patients was inadmissible because there was no evidence that the treatment needs of Respondent were sufficiently similartothosc of Dr Rlordan's previous patients Second. Appellants assert thatthe trial court erred in admitting Dr. Riordan's testimony regarding his contract dispute wrth Phoenix Appellants assert that this is a collateral issue introduced by Respondent to imply that Phoenix \"was more concerned with money than quality or [Respondent's] care " "To properly preserve an issue for an appeal, a timely objection must be made during trial." State v. McFadden, 359 s w.3d 727, 740 (Mo banc 2012). "General allegations of error not based upon specific objection or requests made during trial are insufficient to preservethe allegations for review, nor may deficiencies in the motion be supplied from the movam's briefon appeal " Smith v. brown s. Williamson Tobacco Corp., 410 s.w 3d 623, 540 (Mo. banc 2013) (quoting williams by & Through wilford v, Barnes Hosp, 73o s w.2d 33,36(Mo,ban01987)). Appellants cite their pretrial motion in limine as evidence of an objection, \"A motion in limine, by itself, preserves nothing for appellate review.\" Hancock v shook, loo S,W.3d 786, 802 (Mo. banc 2003). Appellants assert that they lodged timely objections at trial to the admission of Dr, Riordan's deposition testimony Appellants ctte two portions ofthe trial transcript documenting two instances in which Dr Rtordan's deposition testimony was shown to the jury. in one instance, Appellants' trial counsel acknowledged that Df Ricfdarl's testimony would be shown to the jury and informed the court that he had "no problem with that at all," in the other instance, the record reflects the video was shown to the jury and counsel made no objection, Appellants did not object at trial when Dr. Riofdarl's deposition testimony was offered and admitted into evidence Finally, Appellants cite their written objections to portions of Dr, Riordan's deposition testimony, The certificate of service on the objections states that they were served on Respondent's counsel prior totrial. on or about November 23. 2013. Dr. Riordan's testimony was admitted attrial in December 2D13. The objections were filestamped as received by the circuit court on January 3, 2014 after the trial had ended. Appellants assert that it is "likely" that the objections were filed in open court and that the objections simply were not entered into the trial record until aftertrial This Court wrll not find reversible error based on speculation as to what "likely" may have happened at trial. Further, the record reflects that Appellants trial counsel specifically stated that Appellants had "no problem\" wrth the admission of Dr Riordan's testimony Appellants did not timely object at trial to the admission of Dr Rlofdan's videotaped testimony Therefore, Appellants' Waived lheir argument lhal me mal coun effed in admitting this evidence at trial || The vefdicl was not excessive Appellants argue thatthetrial court erred by refusing to grant a new trial becausethe verdict was excessive, Appellants assertthat the jury's verdict of $4 a million was excessive because it was a result of passion and prejudice. exceeded the amount requested by Respondent in closing argument, and exceeded fair and reasonable compensation for Respondent's injuries. The standard of review for a trial court's order denying a motion for a new trial is abuse of discretion, St. Louis Cnly, v. River Bend Estates Homeownefs' Assh, 402 s.w,ad 116,134tMo banc 2013), An abuse ofdiscretion occurs when the trial couft's ruling is clearly against the logic ofthe circumstances and is so unreasonable and arbitrarythat it shocks one's sense of justice and indicates a lack of careful consideration, ld. ln considering whetherthe trial court abused its discretion, appellate courts view the facts in the light most favorable to the trial courI's order. ld There are two general types of excessive verdicts: (1) a verdict that is disproportionate to the evidence of injury and results from an "honest mlstake" by the jury in assessing damages, and (2) a verdict that is excessive due to trial error that causes bias and prejudice by thejury Llndqulsl v Scott Radiological Grp , lnc , 168 s w3d 535, 645 (Mo App 2005) When a verdict is excessive because of an \"honest mistake" in the jury's assessment of damages, the excessive verdict can be remedied by ordering remittitur or granllng a newtrial, ld. when an excessive verdict is caused by trial error causing bias and prejudice in the jury, a new trial is required id The amount of the verdict does not by itself establish bias or passion and prejudice without showing some other error was committed during the trial oiddens v, Kansas City Southern Ry, Co. 29 s,w.3d 813. 022 (Mo. banc 2000) (citing Means v, Sears, Roebuck & Co. 550 s,w,2d 780. 788 (Mo, banc1977)) if there was trial error or misconduct by the prevailing party, the party alleging an excessive verdict must show that the verdict "is so grossly excessive as to shock the conscience because it is glaringly unwarfanted.\" Giddens, 29 3w 3d at 822, 1. The verdict did not exceed fair and reasonable compensation A jury's award of damages should "fairly and reasonably" compensate the plaintiff for his or her injury. Lindquist, 168 S.W.3d at 647 (quoting Callahan v. Cardinal Glennon Hosp., 863 S.W.2d 852, 872 (Mo. banc 1993)). The factors that a jury should consider in determining damages include "the nature and extent of injury, diminished earning capacity, economic condition, plaintiff's age, and awards in comparable cases." Id. A jury is also allowed to consider intangible or non-economic damages relating to "past and future pain, suffering, effect on life-style, embarrassment, humiliation, and economic loss." Id. Appellate review of a jury's verdict begins with the recognition that the jury retains "virtually unfettered" discretion in reaching its decision because there is a "large range between the damage extremes of inadequacy and excessiveness." Id. at 647-648. An appellate court views the evidence in the light most favorable to the verdict and disregards evidence to the contrary. Id. at 648. In this case, the jury's verdict included an award of $1.5 million in past noneconomic damages and nearly $2.4 million in future non-econo ained injuries including the destruction and reconstruction of and urological dysfunction, persistent pain in his groin, and multiple painful n g the effects of his injuries. The evidence further showed that Respondent's i al relationship with his wife. There was evidence that Respondent's injuries have negative esteem. Given Respondent's relatively young age, the extent of his injuries, the pe spects of his life, this Court finds no basis for interfering with t trial court's decision to enter judgment according to the jury's verdict. Th t. This portion of the verdict was not exces disproportionate to the evidence of Respondent's injuries. The verdict also awarded $401,726.77 in past economic damages. Respondent's hospital bills and lost wages support this award. Appellants assert that Resp ntial portion of these economic damages even in the absence of any med If required substantial hospitalization. Respondent's expert, Dr. Malco abscess should have been drained on May 13, 2009, and that the failure to drain the abscess caused multiple medical complications requiring Respondent to endure substantial additional medical care. This portion of the verdict was not excessive or disproportionate to the evi pondent's injuries. The verdict was not exces assion and prejudice Appellants also assert that the overall verdict of $4.3 million is excessive because trial errors resulted in jury bias and prejudice. Appellants assert that the jury was biased due to the erroneous admission of Dr. Riordan's testimony. As established, Appellants waived their argumer juments regarding the admission of Dr. Riordan's testimony. Consequently, Appellants cannot establish on of the testimony was error, which, in turn, means that it "cannot serve as a predicate for a finding of exce the verdict." See Giddens, 29 S.W.3d at 822. Finally, Appellants argue that the total damage award is exces ause it exceeds the amount requested by the Respondent's counsel during closing argument. During closing argument, Respondent's counsel suggested that a total verdict of $3,377,366.27 would adequately compensate Resp ndent for his injuries. The jury's verdict was for $4.3 million. Appellants cite Lewis v. Envirotech Corp., 674 S.W.2d 105 (Mo.App. 1984), for the proposition that a verdict exceeding the amount suggested by the plaintiff in clo s sufficient evidence of excessiveness. In Lewis, the plaintiff's closing argument suggested a compens mage award of $425,000. The jury awarded $850,000. Id. at 113. The trial court ordered a new trial unless th ed to accept a remitted award of $715,000. Id. The plaintiff elected a new trial. tion standard of review and reasoning that "[wle do not find such an se of discretion in the present case." Id. Lewis does not support the assertion that a verdict is excessive simply because it exceeds a plaintiff's suggestion of an appropriate damage award during closing argument. Contrary to Appellants' argument, Missouri case law recognizes that the suggestion of a damages award during closing argument is not evider nding on the jury. v. Bd. of P mm'rs of Kansas City, 409 S.W.3d 508, 521 (Mo.App.2013) (recognizing "the legion of ca jests a damage award in a personal injury case during closing only to receive a gher award from the jury"). This is particularly true in cases such as this, in which "the damages sought inherently inv ve an element of subjective calculation, as is the case with pain and suffering." Id. The jury's decision to award a greater amount of damages than suggested by Respondent's closing argument does not establish that the verdict was exce excessive. Appellants have not established that the verdict was excessive due to jur . Appellants are not entitled to a new trial. Ill. Appellants cannot challenge the constitutionality of section 538.300 Appellants argue that section 538.300 violates their right to a jury trial by prohibiting remittitur in medical negligence cases. Appellants ass substantial incidents of the common law right to a jury trial and, therefore, is an "integral part" of itutional right to a jury trial. A conclude that section 538.300 is unconstitutional and that, "at a minimum," their right to a jury trial includes the right to "have their request for remittitur considered by the trial court." Remittitur is not a basis for determining whether a verdict is excessive and is, instead, one procedural option that a trial court may employ to remedy an excessive verdict. In Sanders v. Illinois Central R. Co., 270 S.W.2d 731, 737 (Mo. banc 1954) (overruled in part on other gr by O'leary v. Illinois Terminal R. Co., 299 S.W.2d 873, 879 (Mo. banc 1957), this Court summarized the common law remittitur ocedure as follows: This court has long adhered to the generally prevailing rule that in a case such as this, if there is no error in the record except that the judgment is for a greater amou of damages than the evidence will support, the appellate court, instead of unconditionally requiri amount of the excess and then give the plaintiff the option of remitting the excess and having an affirmance of judgment for the remainder. While judicial acceptance of the common law remittitur procedure ebbed and flowed over time, remittitur is part of Missouri's common law heritage. Watts v. Lester E. Cox Med. Ctrs., 376 S.W.3d 633, 638 (Mo. banc 2012); see also McAllister v. Mullanphy, 3 Mo. 38, 39 (Mo.1831) ("It is not denied that the plaintiff in ejectment may enter a remittitur, where the finding is for too much much [sic], to avoid a ne vailability of common law remittitur was based on a finding that the moving p n a determination that the jury's verdict was exces or against the weight of the evidence. In other words, common law remittitur was not a basis for determining whether a verdict is excessive and was, instead, one procedural option that a trial court could employ to remedy an excessive verdict. In 1985, this Court abolished the common law g conflicting philosophies, confusion, and inconsistent applications. int Corp., 693 S.W.2d 99, 110 (Mo. banc 1985). In 1987, the legislature superseded Firest ction 537.068, which provides for both remittitur and additur. Section 537.068 allows a court to reduce the dama damages awarded to the plaintiff if, "after reviewing the evidence in support of the jury's verdict, the court finds that the ju int of the verdict exceeds fair and easonable compensati tules of Civil Procedure further refines the sta ding that, "[ilf the court tion [for remittitur] in whole or in part, the court's order shall afford each party opposing such relief the option to file an election of a new trial." Like the common law remittitur procedure, the purpose of the statutory remittitur procedure "is not to correct juror bias and prejudice, but to correct a jury's honest stake in fixing damages." Massman Const. Co. v. Missouri Highway & Transp. Comm'n, 914 S.W.2d 801, 803 (M . banc 1996) (quoting Skadal v. Brown, 351 S.W.2d 684, 689 (Mo.1961). "The trial court's grant of remitt ng on the weight of the evidence." Emery v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., 976 S.W.2d 439, 448 (Mo. banc 1998); see also Firestone, 693 S.W.2d at 108 (citing Morris v. Israel Bros., Inc., 510 S.W.2d 437, 447 (Mo. 1974) (order of remit )): Rule 78.01(e) (courts may not "award additur or remittitur mo ist the weight of the evidence")). Therefore, a prerequisite to employing the re edure is that the moving party must demonstrate that "good cause warrants a new an v. Catering St. Louis, 395 S.W.3d 29, 35 (Mo. sustain a motion for additur or remittitur und at the verdict is against the weight of the evidence and that the party moving for addit itled to a new trial." Id. at 38. This Court would normally review the circuit court's decision to overrule or sustain a motion for additur or remittitur by viewing the evidence in "the light most favorable to marks in original omitted). As Appellants note, section ourts from ence cases." A necessary premise of Appellants' challenge to the constitutionality of section 538.300 is that Appellants would have had the benefit of remittitur but for the appli established above, that Appellants did not dem the circuit court's order overruling the motion for remittitur, was against th s to warrant remittitur or a new trial. The failure to establish that t ewed favorably, was in any way exce sive means that Appellants failed to make the required the titur procedure. The fact that remittitur is prohibited by section 538.300 in this particular action does not change the analysis. Appellants failed to establish that the jury's verdict was in any way exce ssive and, therefore, failed to establish the necessary prerequisite that would allow the co e option of employing the remittitur procedure. Appellants sustained no legal injury from the stat medical malpractice cases. This Court will not declare a statute unconstitutional when the p allenging the validity of the statute "is not harmfully affected by the particular feature of the statute alleged to be unconstitutional." State v. Brown, 502 S.W.2d 295, 305-306 (Mo. 1973) (quoting State v. Mucie, 448 S.W.2d 879 (Mo.1970)); see also Lester v. Sayles, 850 S.W.2d 858, 872-873 (Mo. banc 1993) (this Court will not find a statute unconstitutional based on hypothetical instances in which the statute may be applied). Consequently, this Court will not address the substance of Appellant's constitutional challenge to the validity of section 538.300. The judgment is affirmed FOOTNOTES All statutory citations are to RSMo Supp. 2005. 2. This Court has jurisdiction because the appeal involves a challenge to the validity of a state statute. Mo. Const. art. V, sec. 3. 3. Badahman dealt with additur. Additur, however, is simply the converse of remittitur. Therefore, remittitur, like additur