AMICUS AI
Citation Codes
Equivalent Citations
citation codes
Attorney(S)
Judges
Are you a practicing lawyer?
Enhance your digital presence and reach by creating a Casemine profile.
Upload pleading to use the new AI search
Cites
Cited by
Citation Codes
Equivalent Citations
citation codes
Attorney(S)
Judges

ARMANDO ZACCARO, Respondent, v. JENIK MOTOR SERVICE, Appellant

MEMORANDUM.

Judgment unanimously reversed without costs and action dismissed.

Plaintiff sued for damages arising out of defective servicing of his automobile. Although the only monetary loss alleged by plaintiff at trial was $255.84, the court awarded $700, apparently because of the distress suffered by plaintiff and his family due to malfunction of the car while it was on the road. On appeal defendant admits to the negligence of its servicing.

The award to the extent that it was for mental distress was in error. Absent a traumatic event causing fear of safety (see, Ford v Village Imports, 92 A.D.2d 717) or some special relationship or duty owed the plaintiff (not present in this case) he may not recover for mental suffering arising from breach of contract or its negligent performance (see, 36 N.Y. Jur 2d, Damages, § 102). Nor may plaintiff recover property damage since he failed to present a paid bill or estimates as required by CCA 1804.

KASSOFF, P.J., WILLIAMS and SANTUCCI, JJ., concur.

Use AI to get other relevant cases.

Comments

ZACCARO v. JENIK MOTOR SERV
(Dec 4, 1990)