Case Name: Bessie D. Williams, as Executrix of Albert Williams, Deceased, Respondent, v. State of New York, Appellant
Court: New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division
Jurisdiction: New York
Decision Date: 1954-11-17
Citations: 284 A.D. 1027
Docket Number: Claim No. 30880
Parties: Bessie D. Williams, as Executrix of Albert Williams, Deceased, Respondent, v. State of New York, Appellant.
Judges: 
Reporter: Appellate Division Reports
Volume: 284
Pages: 1027–1027

Head Matter:
(November 17, 1954.)
Bessie D. Williams, as Executrix of Albert Williams, Deceased, Respondent, v. State of New York, Appellant.
(Claim No. 30880.)

Opinion:
Judgment affirmed, with costs. All concur, except Piper and Wheeler, JJ., who dissent and vote for reversal and for dismissal of the claim in the following memorandum: We think the finding of the Court of Claims that the State was negligent is contrary to and against the weight of the evidence. Further we find no competent evidence in this record that Kennedy " by use of force, threats and duress, compelled " decedent Williams " to drive and transport said William A. Kennedy in attempting to perfect his escape." In any event we think that the rule laid down in Mitchell v. Rochester Ry. Co. (151 N. Y. 107), that plaintiff cannot recover for injuries occasioned by fright when there is no physical injury, is applicable here. We do not construe Comstock v. Wilson (257 N. Y. 231) as having changed the rule. On this record the judgment should be reversed and the claim dismissed. (Appeal from a judgment for claimant on a claim against the State for damages for the death of claimant's testator and for conscious pain and suffering.) Present — McCurn, P. J., Vaughan, Piper, Wheeler and Van Duser, JJ. [204 Misc. 843.]