Grunenthal v. Long Island Rail Road
Supreme Court
393 U.S. 156 (1968)
Relevant factsFree
Grunenthal (plaintiff) was injured working for Long Island Rail Road (defendant) and sued under the Federal Employers' Liability Act, seeking $250,000 in his complaint but recovering a $305,000 jury verdict after amending the damages request. Long Island's motion to set aside the award as excessive was denied by the trial judge, but the Second Circuit ordered a remittitur, giving Grunenthal the choice of accepting a $105,000 reduction or facing a new trial - without explaining, beyond the pleaded $305,000, why $200,000 was the appropriate ceiling.
IssueFree
Whether an appellate court may set aside a jury's damages verdict as excessive without conducting a detailed review of the evidence bearing on damages.
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J.F. White Contracting Co. v. New England Tank Industries of New Hampshire, Inc.393 F.2d 449 (1st Cir. 1968)Carroll v. President and Commissioners of Princess Ann393 U.S. 175 (1968)Newman v. Piggie Park Enterprises, Inc.390 U.S. 400 (1968)Flast v. Cohen392 U.S. 83 (1968)Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals v. Bravo Enterprises, Inc.237 A.2d 342 (1968)