Woman Who Died Day after $150,000 Future Pain and Suffering Award Still Entitled to Payment

Due to defendant’s failure to comply with certain court orders, the court entered a judgement for liability against defendant in plaintiff’s lawsuit after she fell on defendant’s steps. At inquest, plaintiff was awarded $150,000 for future pain and suffering. Plaintiff died the next day. Defendant argued that the $150,000 awarded for what was one day of pain and suffering was unfair and contrary to the legislature’s attempt to reform tort awards. The Court found that the legislature’s efforts were directed at awards above $250,000 and allowed the $150,000 award to stand, particularly where defendant caused plaintiff’s case to be significantly delayed.