Court Opinion

ID: 9462272
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-04 22:36:49.715294+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T17:37:30.700062
License: Public Domain

LUMBARD, Circuit Judge
(dissenting):
I dissent as to so much of the majority opinion as upholds the award of $200,000 to the plaintiff for the injuries suffered as a result of his accident at the Anheuser-Busch plant in Newark, New Jersey, on November 8, 1968. I agree with Judge Mansfield’s analysis that approximately $125,000 of plaintiff’s recovery represents compensation for his pain and suffering. I differ, however, from the characterization of that figure as merely “generous” and consider it to be grossly in excess of what is warranted by the record. Under all the circumstances, including the uncertain impact of plaintiff’s subsequent accident in aggravating his injury, I feel that no more than $25,-000 can fairly be considered to be an appropriate award for Batchkowsky’s pain and suffering.
Consequently, I would remand to the district court with directions to set aside the verdict and order a new trial unless, within a reasonable time, plaintiff is willing to accept a reduction of the judgment to $100,000, less the 25% subtracted for his contributory negligence.