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6 R.I. Dec. 31

Smith v. McCall

Superior Court of Rhode Island

Decided October 10, 1929

Superior Court of Rhode Island · decided 1929-10-10

Relies on Pardey v. American Ship Windlass Co.

Decided 1929-10-10

HAHN, J.

¶1Heard on plaintiff’s motion for a new trial after verdict for the plaintiff in the sum of $500 for damages arising from injuries sustained through plaintiff being struck by an automobile driven by the defendant. The ad damnum is $10,000.

¶2The motion for a new trial while containing the usual grounds was pressed upon the question of the inadequacy and insufficiency of ■ the amount of the verdict.

¶3The medical testimony showed a permanent injury resulting in a shortening of plaintiff’s left leg. It was further testified, as the opinion of the medical experts, that plaintiff would constantly have pain in the injured knee. The plaintiff also showed actual expenditure by reason of the injury of about $306.

¶4Undoubtedly the jury by a compromise reached the verdict for $500, which amount will in no manner recompense the plaintiff for the expenses which have arisen through the accident, the pain and suffering, present and future, as well as the deformity occasioned 'by the injury.

¶5Our Supreme Court, in Gartner vs. Saxon, 19 R. I. 461, has said: “The jury has no right to compromise upon a sum which no legitimate view of the evidence will warrant.”

¶6The amount of the verdict is inadequate and insufficient and by reason thereof is against the law and the evidence.

¶7Motion for new trial granted.

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