Le Boeuf v. Newman
This case involves appeals from judgments entered upon verdicts in negligence actions for personal injuries (La Falce) and wrongful death (Le Boeuf). The appellants' liability was clearly proven. The judgment in the La Falce action was affirmed. However, the $55,000 verdict in the Le Boeuf death action, concerning a 17-year-old decedent, was deemed excessive by the court. The court determined that the pecuniary loss could not exceed $35,000 in addition to approximately $2,000 in special damages. Consequently, the judgment in the Le Boeuf action was reversed, and a new trial ordered, unless the respondent stipulates to reduce the verdict to $37,000 and interest, in which case the reduced judgment would be affirmed.