Healy v. White

Seven-and-a-half-year-old Brian Healy was a passenger in a car driven by his mother, Mary Jo Healy (plaintiffs), when it was hit by a truck owned by Silliman Company and driven by Allen H. White (defendants). Brian suffered personal injuries including aggravation of a learning disability and permanent brain damage with seizures. Brian's father, Bartholomew Healy (plaintiff), separately sought damages for future medical care, hospitalization, private tutors, and teaching specialists Brian would need. The plaintiffs presented evidence that Brian's condition would likely persist long-term, that his I.Q. had dropped after the accident, that his seizure medication would hinder his learning, and that he would need special education for years to come. The jury awarded damages on both counts, and the defendants appealed, arguing the evidence was insufficient to support the future-expense award (not that the amount itself was excessive).