Case Name: Antonio Pignagrande, Respondent, v. Thomas Ciaccia et al., Doing Business as Ciaccia Auto Sales, Appellants
Court: New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division
Jurisdiction: New York
Decision Date: 1978-05-26
Citations: 63 A.D.2d 833
Docket Number: 
Parties: Antonio Pignagrande, Respondent, v Thomas Ciaccia et al., Doing Business as Ciaccia Auto Sales, Appellants.
Judges: 
Reporter: Appellate Division Reports
Volume: 63
Pages: 833–834

Head Matter:
Antonio Pignagrande, Respondent, v Thomas Ciaccia et al., Doing Business as Ciaccia Auto Sales, Appellants.

Opinion:
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. 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.