Collins v. Douglass

This appeal and cross-appeal raise two significant questions. First, once a trial court denies a motion for new trial, does the court thereafter have the authority to sua sponte rehear the matter? Second, was a new trial warranted in this case on the ground that the future pain and suffering damages award was inadequate? We answer both questions in the negative and direct the trial court to reinstate the jury verdict and its initial order denying the motions for new trial or additur.

This appeal stems from a wrongful death suit where eleven-year-old Ian Douglass died in an automobile accident.…