Craig Tatman vsl. Fort Sanders Medical Center

Craig Tatman ("Plaintiff"), a devout Jehovah's Witness, underwent heart surgery at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center ("Defendant"). Prior to the surgery, the attending physician and Defendant were specifically informed that Plaintiff was not to receive any blood or blood products. While Plaintiff was recovering from the surgery, he experienced a dramatic decrease in blood pressure. The attending critical care nurse forgot that Plaintiff was a Jehovah's Witness and administered Protenate, a protein fraction derived from human plasma. This was contrary to Plaintiff's religious tenets. At trial, Defendant admitted that a medical battery had taken place. The only issue presented to the jury was compensatory damages resulting from the medical battery. No jury instruction was requested or given regarding nominal damages. The jury awarded no compensatory damages. Plaintiff filed a motion requesting an additur or a new trial. Plaintiff's motion was denied, and Plaintiff appeals. We affirm.