Is $15 million too much for a medical malpractice wrongful death and pain and suffering verdict? A Macon-Bibb doctor and his counsel, Page Powell of Huff, Powell & Bailey, tried to persuade the Court of Appeals on Wednesday that yes, it was, when he asked the court to set the sum aside and grant a new trial.

“We have a $12.5 million wrongful death award for an 80-year-old gentleman with multiple health problems. There was no testimony regarding any certain life expectancy and the mortality table that was presented gave him only another seven years to live,” Powell said, adding: “We all know what’s going on in Georgia these days in terms of the amounts of verdicts, and it’s particularly true in medical malpractice cases.” Opposing counsel, of course, disagreed.

R. Page Powell Jr. of Huff, Powell & Bailey. (Courtesy Photo) R. Page Powell Jr. of Huff, Powell & Bailey. (Courtesy photo)