English v. New England Medical Center, Inc.

This is a medical malpractice case arising out of treatment rendered to Kerrie Ann English by two physicians at the defendant’s hospital. The jury returned verdicts in favor of the physicians, who were originally defendants, but against the hospital, and assessed damages in the amount of $350,000. In response to the hospital’s motion, the trial judge reduced the award to $20,000 pursuant to G. L. c. 231, § 85K (1986 ed.). On appeal, the plaintiffs challenge the reduction of the verdict as violating the equal protection and due process clauses of the Massachusetts and United States…