Charles Phillipe's wife Juslin died while giving birth to their daughter Ecclesianne, who later was found to have suffered severe brain damage. Medical providers admitted liability and agreed to arbitrate damages without going to trial. The arbitrators awarded a large sum, including more than $1 million in noneconomic damges. The Fourth District Court reduced this sum to $250,000, but left intact other damage awards and costs of nearly $3.75 million. Both sides appealed.