Long v. Bennett

Wrongful death action.

Jury verdict of *8000.

Too low. There must be a new trial on damages only.

Following the death of Rodney Long due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident, the administrator of the Long estate sued defendants for wrongful death. The jury returned a verdict in favor of plaintiff in the sum of *8000 against the defendants, Macoupin County and Superintendent of Highways Thomas Gazda, but also returned a verdict in favor of the defendant driver of the automobile, Bruce Bennett.

On appeal, plaintiff raises five issues. The prime issue is whether an award of *8000 in damages was…