Court Opinion

ID: 5825210
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2022-01-12 21:21:10.170807+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T08:43:16.209428
License: Public Domain

Order, Supreme Court, Bronx County, entered May 31, 1977, denying plaintiff’s motion to increase the ad damnum clause from $150,000 to $400,000, unanimously reversed, in the exercise of discretion, without costs or disbursements, and the motion granted, with leave to defendants to conduct a further physical examination of plaintiff. Although this motion was made three months after the filing of the note of issue and three years after joinder of issue, we are of the view that amendment of the ad damnum clause should have been permitted. Four years after the accident, plaintiff is still incapacitated as a result of the partial permanent disability originally diagnosed and his loss of earnings continues unabated. At the time plaintiff moved for leave to amend, his lost earnings were over $33,000. Clearly, the extent of his disability and consequent damages were underestimated and he should not be penalized for this miscalculation, especially since no prejudice can be shown. (Cf. Paige v Stevenson, 61 AD2d 899.) No new injuries are being introduced. From the bills of particulars defendants were always aware of the nature of the injuries, plaintiff’s continuing disability, and his loss of income. Of course, defendants should have the opportunity for a further physical examination, should they be so inclined. Concur—Kupferman, J. P., Lupiano, Lane, Sandler and Sullivan, JJ.