Section 12 Direct Evidence From Physicians and Other Medical Personnel

• Library: Damages 2012

As demonstrated by the cases discussed in §2.11 above, it is imperative that a claimant establish both the reasonableness and necessity of medical and hospital services by substantial evidence. The obvious and best source of this evidence in the great majority of cases will be direct testimony by one or more treating physicians. It was deemed substantial evidence of reasonableness when:

· a plaintiff, his wife, and the attending physician explained in detail the nature and extent of the medical services rendered;

· the physician gave a general description of his method of charges, including factors of the amount of time and skill required for the treatments; and

· there was no evidence that the charges were exorbitant, unreasonable, or unusual.

Sharon v. Kansas City Pub. Serv. Co., 208 S.W.2d 471, 475 (Mo. App. W.D. 1948).

It is clear, however, that the mere appearance at trial of a treating physician to testify will not be sufficient. In Green v. Hastings, ...