Benton v. Johnson

Plaintiff, who is mentally retarded and suffers from schizophrenia, brought this action for outrageous conduct against defendant, an ophthalmologist whom plaintiff had consulted professionally. Plaintiff alleged that she was induced by defendant to engage in sexual intercourse, that she became pregnant, that she gave birth to a child and that eventually her parental rights were terminated, with the result that she suffered and will continue to suffer emotional distress. She sought $250,000 general damages and $250,000 punitive damages.

In his opening statement to the jury, defendant’s trial…