Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District / Jul 7, 2020
Christina Bojorquez, Respondent, v. Thomas E. O'Keeffe, D.D.S., A Professional Corporation, and Thomas E. O'Keeffe, D.D.S., Appellants.
Christina Bojorquez sued Dr. Thomas E. O'Keeffe for dental malpractice after he lacerated her tongue during a crown preparation, resulting in a voice disorder. A jury awarded Bojorquez $2.5 million in noneconomic damages. O'Keeffe appealed, arguing the trial court erred in denying his motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict on causation, failing to apply statutory caps to noneconomic damages, and failing to remit the damages as excessive. The appellate court affirmed the trial court's judgment, finding no error in the trial court's rulings.