Richardson v. Chapman
Illinois Supreme Court
676 N.E.2d 621 (Ill. 1997)
Richardson and McGregor (plaintiffs) were stopped at a light when Chapman's (defendant) negligently driven semi-trailer crashed into them; Richardson suffered catastrophic, permanently disabling injuries with an economist's estimate of up to about $9.57 million in future medical costs, while McGregor suffered only a forehead laceration leaving a small scar. The jury awarded Richardson roughly $22.36 million, including $11 million for future medical expenses, and McGregor about $102,215, mostly for pain and suffering; the appellate court upheld both awards, and Chapman appealed.
Whether an award of damages for future medical expenses that substantially exceeds an economist's calculation of those expenses is excessive.