Adams contends that Louisiana law does not require a physical injury as a predicate for recovering for mental anguish. He refers us to Chappetta v. Bowman Transportation, Inc., 415 So.2d 1019 (La.App. 1982); Badgett v. Keith, 415 So.2d 337 (La.App. 1982); Carroll v. State Farm Ins. Co., 427 So.2d 24 (La.App. 1983); Johnson v. Best Manufacturing Co., 263 So.2d 436 (La.App. 1972); and Collins v. Lefort, 210 So.2d 895 (La.App. 1968). This contention is incorrect.
Recovery may be had for mental anguish, pain and distress even though it is unaccompanied by physical injury. See Badgett v. Keith, 415 So.2d 337 (La.App. 2d Cir. 1982). Said another way, claims for mental anguish or fright are separate and independent from any claims for physical pain and suffering.
Although a court may award damages for mental anguish, pain and distress without an award for physical injuries, it is apparent in this case that the jury simply combined these two items of damages, (i.e., items "A" and "B" of the jury interrogatories) into one lump sum award. See: Badgett v. Keith, 415 So.2d 337 (La.App., 2nd Cir., 1982). Since this record presents evidence of both physical injuries and mental anguish, this award, for both items of damages, is proper.