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Pignagrande v. Ciaccia

63 A.D.2d 833 Court N.Y. App. Div. Decision date 1978-05-26 English

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p. 833
Antonio Pignagrande, Respondent, v Thomas Ciaccia et al., Doing Business as Ciaccia Auto Sales, Appellants.

Judgment unanimously reversed, on the facts, with costs, and a new trial granted on the issue of damages only unless plaintiff shall, within 20 days of service of a copy of the order herein, stipulate to reduce the verdict to the sum of $4,000 in which event the judgment is modified accordingly and, as modified, affirmed, without costs. Memorandum: We find that the verdict is excessive. Plaintiff was never hospitalized, missed only one day of .work at his hairdressing profession and incurred only minimal medical expenses totaling $184. Plaintiffs medical proof clearly established that the injuries incurred in the accident, viz., muscle spasms of the back, were not permanent.

p. 834
Accordingly, the judgment should be reversed and a new trial granted on the issue of damages only, unless plaintiff stipulates to reduce the verdict to $4,000. (Appeal from judgment of Monroe Supreme Court—automobile negligence.) Present—Marsh, P. J., Cardamone, Simons, Denman and Witmer, JJ.