Vicki Leigh Yowell, Petitioners v. Piper Aircraft Corporation, Respondents

Summary

The Texas Supreme Court affirmed the trial court’s judgment, holding that loss of inheritance damages are recoverable in wrongful‑death actions, that the district court had jurisdiction over mental‑anguish claims and properly allowed a trial amendment, that loss of society, companionship and affection damages are available to all statutory beneficiaries, and that prejudgment interest is not available for future (unaccrued) damages. Justice McGEE dissented, arguing that loss‑of‑inheritance damages are not properly pleaded, are speculative, and that the trial‑court amendment was an abuse of discretion.