Public-domain · open source
OpenJurist

201 Misc. 3

Gerbino v. State

New York Court of Claims

Decided January 15, 1952

New York Court of Claims · decided 1952-01-15

Cited by 1 later decisions — most recently April 1974

1 state decisions

Good law ✅— No negative treatment on recordhow we know

Decided 1952-01-15

View the full empirical analysis of this case →

Gorman, J.

¶1The claim is one to recover damages for an assault committed upon the infant claimant, September 7, 1949, by an employee of the Newark State School. The boy was admitted to the institution, October 12, 1947, as a mental defective. The State then assumed responsibility for his reasonable care and protection. The proof shows an unprovoked and brutal assault by an attendant, acting within the scope of his authority and employment. Another attendant was passively present at the scene. Neither employee reported the beating until the next day when the injuries became more apparent. The transgressor had been involved in at least one previous fracas with the inmates. The State knew this and might reasonably have anticipated a similar occurrence. The State failed to exercise the degree of care required under the circumstances.

¶2As a result of the assault, the infant claimant’s jaw was fractured and he suffered pain. The fracture was reduced on September 12, 1949, by intermaxillary wiring and the jaw immobilized for six weeks. During this period, he subsisted on liquids. His recovery has been good.

¶3Claimant is entitled to an award against the State of New York in the sum of $1,800. Findings in accordance with this opinion may be submitted within fifteen days from the date hereof, otherwise this memorandum will be considered the decision herein.

¶4Let judgment be entered accordingly.

/201/misc/3 · .json · Public domain