Right v. Breen
Connecticut Supreme Court
890 A.2d 1287 (2006)
Relevant factsFree
Right (plaintiff) was rear-ended by Breen (defendant) while stopped at a red light and sued for negligence. The jury found Breen not liable and that Right suffered zero damages. Right moved to set aside the verdict and for additur, arguing he was still entitled to nominal damages for the legal injury of being hit. The trial court agreed and awarded $1 in nominal damages plus costs; the appellate court affirmed, and Breen appealed.
IssueFree
Whether a plaintiff can succeed on a negligence claim by proving only nominal damages, without proof of actual harm.