The decedent underwent three open heart surgeries within a period of less than twenty-four hours. Evidence was offered that the defendant’s malpractice necessitated the second and third surgeries. Hospital records record a pain level of 10 following the second operation. Even when sedated Mr. AT was restless and agitated and required wrist restraints. During his ensuing five-month hospitalization, Mr. AT experienced multiple blood transfusions, six episodes of pneumonia, a partial lung collapse, requiring a bronchoscopy, intestinal bleeding, urinary tract infections, decubitus ulcers, sepsis and hearing loss. He underwent surgery for his bed sores. Antibiotics administered to Mr. AT for infection rendered him comatose at times. As a result of the use of respiratory tubes, he was unable to speak at times and communicated with his wife in writing. In several of his notes he expressed that he was in pain and discomfort, and in fear of dying.
The amount of damages to be awarded to the plaintiff for conscious pain and suffering and loss of services is a question for the jury, and its determination will not be disturbed unless the award deviates materially from what would be reasonable compensation. Here, the jury’s award for conscious pain and suffering deviates materially from what is reasonable injury compensation to the extent that it exceeds $1.2 million
Upon this record, the jury’s award for loss of services deviates materially from what is reasonable compensation to the extent that it exceeds $200,000.00.