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