THE DAMAGES AMOUNT ASSESSED AGAINST THE DEFAULTING DEFENDANT IN THE INQUEST WAS EXCESSIVE (SECOND DEPT). ​

The Second Department, reversing (modifying) Supreme Court, determined the amount of damages assessed against the defaulting defendant in the inquest was excessive:

Although this Court is not relieving the defendant of his default, this Court may consider whether excessive damages were awarded … . “An unwarranted and excessive award after inquest will not be sustained, as to do otherwise ‘would be tantamount to granting the plaintiffs an open season at the expense of a defaulting defendant'” … . Based upon the proof submitted at the inquest, an award of $25,000 constitutes reasonable compensation … . Kokolis v Wallace, 2022 NY Slip Op 01018, Second Dept 2-16-22