Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Zero Verdict for Pain and Suffering Upheld Even Though Medical Expenses Awarded



In the case of Rabuh v. Hoobrajh, No. 3:17-CV-15 (W.D. Pa. Sept. 19, 2019 Gibson, J.), the court affirmed a verdict in favor of the Plaintiff in which a jury did not enter an award to the Plaintiff for pain and suffering damages even though it awarded medical expenses.

The court in Rabuh confirmed that a jury need not award pain and suffering damages every time it awards medical expenses. Rather, a jury, under Pennsylvania law, is free to reject the Plaintiff’s testimony on pain and suffering as a credibility determination.

The record before the court confirms that there were both credibility problems for the Plaintiff and also that the Plaintiff had a pre-existing condition that was put into evidence.

This decision is also notable in that the court denied an untimely Motion for Delay Damages after applying the ten (10) day deadline for such motions under Pa. R.C.P. 238.

Anyone wishing to review a copy of this decision may click this LINK.

I send thanks to Attorney James M. Beck of the Philadelphia office of the Reed Smith law firm for bringing this case to my attention.

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