Case Name: Eli Baum et al., Appellants, v. State of New York, Respondent
Court: New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division
Jurisdiction: New York
Decision Date: 1989-12-20
Citations: 156 A.D.2d 927
Docket Number: Claim No. 71414
Parties: Eli Baum et al., Appellants, v State of New York, Respondent.
Judges: 
Reporter: Appellate Division Reports
Volume: 156
Pages: 927–928

Head Matter:
Eli Baum et al., Appellants, v State of New York, Respondent.
(Claim No. 71414.)

Opinion:
Judgment unanimously mod ified on the facts and as modified affirmed with costs to claimants, in accordance with the following memorandum: Claimant Eli Baum suffered significant burns to his back and legs while being treated for a stroke at Upstate Medical Center. The court awarded him damages of $300,000, and his wife, Hinda Baum, $3,500 on her derivative claim. Claimants contend that the damage awards were inadequate. We find that the $300,000 award was adequate. Upon the exercise of our independent fact-finding powers (see, Koester v State of New York, 90 AD2d 357, 363-364), we find that Mrs. Baum's loss of society, services and companionship justifies an award on the derivative claim of $30,000 (Court of Claims Act § 24; CPLR 5501 [c]). (Appeal from judgment of Court of Claims, Margolis, J. — medical malpractice.) Present — Dillon, P. J., Green, Pine, Lawton and Davis, JJ.