Case Name: Michele Cerra et al., Appellants, v. Syracuse University, Respondent. (Action No. 1.); Patricia Grimes, Appellant, v. Syracuse University, Respondent. (Action No. 2.)
Court: New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division
Jurisdiction: New York
Decision Date: 2000-06-16
Citations: 273 A.D.2d 942
Docket Number: 
Parties: Michele Cerra et al., Appellants, v Syracuse University, Respondent. (Action No. 1.) Patricia Grimes, Appellant, v Syracuse University, Respondent. (Action No. 2.)
Judges: 
Reporter: Appellate Division Reports
Volume: 273
Pages: 942–942

Head Matter:
Michele Cerra et al., Appellants, v Syracuse University, Respondent. (Action No. 1.) Patricia Grimes, Appellant, v Syracuse University, Respondent. (Action No. 2.)
[709 NYS2d 789]

Opinion:
Order unanimously modified on the law and as modified affirmed without costs in accordance with the following Memorandum: Supreme Court erred in denying that part of plaintiffs' cross motion seeking dismissal of the affirmative defense of accord and satisfaction (see, CPLR 3211 [b]). The documentary evidence submitted by plaintiffs establishes that the settlement of each action was conditioned on the acceptance by the respective plaintiff of the amount offered by defendant. Because each of the six plaintiffs at issue rejected the offered amount, there was no agreement and thus no "accord" (cf., Moweta v Citywide Home Improvements, 267 AD2d 438). We therefore modify the order accordingly.
Contrary to plaintiffs' contention, the court did not improvidently exercise its discretion in granting in part defendant's motion to sever by ordering separate trials on the issue of damages (cf., J & A Vending v J.A.M. Vending, 268 AD2d 504). The record establishes that the number and differing nature and degree of the damages claims would likely create juror confusion if the actions were tried jointly. (Appeal from Order of Supreme Court, Onondaga County, Murphy, J. — Dismiss Pleading.) Present — Pigott, Jr., P. J., Pine, Hurlbutt, Scudder and Kehoe, JJ.