Mitchell v. Broadway & Seventh Avenue Railway Co.

PER CURIAM. The defendant concedes its liability for the injuries sustained by the plaintiff, and argues no exception but the one taken to the refusal of the trial court to set aside the verdict as excessive. The evidence shows that the plaintiff was severely and permanently injured, has suffered great pain in the past, and that she will probably continue to suffer during life. The testimony of the plaintiff, and of her physicians, as to the extent of her injuries and suffering, was not contradicted on the trial. There is no evidence in the record which tends to show that the trial was conducted in a manner likely to arouse the sympathy, prejudices, or passion of the jurors. The charge was temperate, and the jury was instructed to return such a sum as would simply compensate the plaintiff for the injuries sustained. It appears that she necessarily expended about $1,000 in the employment of physicians and surgeons by reason of her injuries. While we regard the verdict as large, and should have been better satisfied had a less sum been awarded, we do not, under the circumstances, feel justified in setting it aside. Had the trial been so conducted as to arouse prejudice or passion against the defendant, we would be justified in ordering the damages to be reassessed, in case a reduction should not be assented to. But upon the whole record we think the power should not be exercised in this case, and that the judgment and order should be affirmed, with costs.