Arrillaga in the hospital and to the end of March, 1982. The medical report indicated Natkowski should have been able to resume regular work in five to seven days.
Because of continued headaches and nervousness, Natkowski continued with sporadic medical treatment. He was seen by Dr. Carl Culicchia for four months and later by Dr. Melville Reehlmann. Dr. Reehlmann, admitted as an expert in orthopaedic surgery, first saw Natkowski in March 1983. Natkowski was treated by Dr. Reehlman through April of 1983, and again when he returned in September of 1985. He continued with the same complaints with no evidence of an intervening accident. Dr. Reehlmann diagnosed Natkowski as suffering from facet syndrome which exhibits symptoms of pain similar to that of a disc herniation. Dr. Reehlmann opined theinjury was caused by the electrocution of March 16, 1982 and that Natkowski may never be free from pain.
On the facts before the trial court, we cannot say the award of $45,000.00 for Natkowski's pain and suffering and mental anguish was an abuse of the trial court's discretion. Accordingly, the award is affirmed.
Defendants further contend the award of $7,370.00 to Natkowski in past lost wages was error because it was not Natkowski's injuries that prevented his return to work but his own desire not to work. The accident herein occurred on March 16, 1982 and his original treating physician, Dr. Alberto Arrillaga released Natkowski to return to work five to seven days post accident. Despite this release, Natkowski did not return to work until 1985 because he continued