Force Ex Rel. Estate of Force v. Richland Memorial Hospital

Connor, Judge:

Daniel Force, as personal representative of the estate of Terry Force, sued Richland Memorial Hospital. He alleged the hospital failed to adequately inspect and maintain the automatic doors in its emergency room, causing them to malfunction and injure Terry Force. The jury returned a verdict for $109,000 on Terry Force’s negligence claim and $21,000 on Daniel Force’s loss of consortium claim. The circuit court granted the hospital’s motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict, setting aside the jury’s verdict. Force appeals. We reverse.

STANDARD OF REVIEW

When considering a…