Court Opinion

ID: 5750642
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2022-01-12 16:56:37.762865+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T08:41:16.540326
License: Public Domain

Judgment as to defendant John Ferenc unanimously reversed on the law and in the exercise of discretion and a new trial granted, and otherwise judgment affirmed, with costs to respondent. Memorandum: At the opening of the trial of this action and while the first witness was testifying it was disclosed that the defendant John Ferenc was then confined to Matteawan State Hospital for the criminally insane. The same information developed on two subsequent occasions, the last of which indicated Ferenc’s commitment was by order of the Erie County Court dated June 29, 1962. Section 207 of the Civil Practice Act (then in effect) provided that the Supreme Court could at any stage in any action appoint a guardian ad litem or special guardian for an incompetent person. The failure of the court to afford the incompetent this protection under the circumstances existing was improvident and requires the reversal of the judgment against him. The defendant Diane Ferenc was the owner of the vehicle which was being driven by her husband with her knowledge, permission and consent. The infirmity of the judgment against John Ferenc does not affect the judgment against the owner and that judgment is affirmed. (Appeal from judgment of Erie Trial Term in favor of plaintiff in an automobile negligence action.) Present—Williams, P. J., Bastow, Goldman, Henry and Noonan, JJ.