Hueper v. Goodrich

314 N.W.2d 828 (1982)

Facts

Two trucks collided resulting in severe injuries to Bruce, a minor. P commenced a personal injury action on his behalf against Ds The jury returned a verdict finding that D were 85% liable for Bruce's injuries. A trial on the issue of damages was held. The jury awarded P $600,215 and Emil Hueper judgment against Ds in the amount of $37,270. The jury award of $37,270 of which $25,977 reflected the reasonable value of the medical care provided to Bruce while he was a patient at Shriner's Hospital. A physician at Shriner's Hospital testified that it was the policy of the hospital not to charge patients for care provided or to accept insurance proceeds from a third party. The court found that the collateral source rule allowed Emil Hueper to recover the reasonable value of the medical care given to his minor son, although that care had been provided free of charge by a charitable hospital. Ds appealed.