Powers v. Cherin

The broad question in this appeal is whether a cause of action for damages resulting from the negligent operation of an automobile may be joined in the same motion for judgment with a cause of action for damages resulting from medical malpractice.

In February 1990, appellant Heather Powers was injured in the City of Chesapeake while riding in an automobile that was struck by a motor vehicle operated by Joseph C. Pope. Subsequently, she filed an action for damages against Pope seeking recovery for her personal injuries, alleging Pope’s negligent operation of his vehicle caused her damages.

Later,…