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 and were sufficiently pleaded, that the district court had jurisdiction over the decedents' mental anguish claims and properly allowed the amendment, that loss of society, companionship, and affection damages are available to the plaintiffs, and that prejudgment interest is not available for future damages. The Court reversed the Court of Appeals' decision on these points. Justice McGEE dissented, arguing that loss of inheritance was not properly pleaded, is speculative, and that the trial court abused its discretion in allowing the amendment and denying a continuance.