VERDICT AWARDING $0 DAMAGES FOR FUTURE AND PAIN SUFFERING SHOULD HAVE BEEN SET ASIDE, $100,000 WOULD BE REASONABLE COMPENSATION (FIRST DEPT).
The First Department, reversing Supreme Court, determined the damages verdict awarding $0 for future pain and suffering should have been set aside:
The jury’s award of damages for past pain and suffering deviates materially from what would be reasonable compensation (see CPLR 5501[c]). Plaintiff sustained a bimalleolar ankle fracture and underwent two surgeries, the first involving implantation of hardware in the ankle and the second involving arthroscopy and removal of the hardware and some scar tissue. Comparing this matter to similar cases … , we find that $275,000 is reasonable compensation … .
The award for future damages also deviates materially from what would be reasonable compensation (CPLR 5501[c]). Defendant’s expert agreed that plaintiff’s injury is permanent and that he has developed arthritis in his left ankle, which may require treatment in the future, including the possibility of an ankle replacement. In light of the foregoing, we find that $100,000 for future pain and suffering is reasonable compensation … . Thomas v New York City Hous. Auth., 2020 NY Slip Op 01001, First Dept 2-13-20