Court Opinion

ID: 6195305
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2022-02-05 20:17:17.168148+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T08:56:09.309735
License: Public Domain

Markowitz, P. J.
(dissenting). I agree that the third cause of action as presently pleaded does not justify granting plaintiff punitive damages. I also agree that plaintiff is not entitled to counsel fees as an element of damages in the pending action. In my view, however, plaintiff should be afforded the right, if he should be so advised and if this is so, to amend the complaint to allege facts indicating that the wrong complained of was morally culpable or was actuated by evil and reprehensible motives (Walker v. Sheldon, 10 N Y 2d 401, 404-405; Faulk v. Aware, Inc., 19 A D 2d 464, 471, affd. 14 N Y 2d 899).
*529I accordingly dissent to the extent indicated and vote to grant plaintiff the right to amend his complaint on the issue of punitive damages within 10 days after service of a copy of the order entered hereon with notice of entry.
Fine and Dudley, JJ., concur in Per Curiam opinion; Markowitz, P. J., dissents in part in memorandum.
Order reversed and dismissal granted.