Cockrell v. Checker Cab Co.

WESTERFIELD, J.

Plaintiff, while a passenger in a taxicab belonging to and operated by defendant, was injured because of the negligence of the chauffeur in running off the road, into and across a ditch, causing plaintiff to be considerably shaken up and injuring his knee. Defendant’s liability is not seriously questioned. The only real issue is the quantum. The court, a qua, allowed $1375.00, which defendant insists is excessive. Plaintiff itemizes his damages as follows:

“Damages for physical suffering....$1000,00 “Damages in connection with paving

'job, McComb, Miss. ________________________ 752.69'

“Expenses and disbursements__________ 125.00

“Loss of time ________________________________________ 500.00'

Total ..................................................$2377.69'

The item of damages described as “in connection with paving job, McComb;, Miss.”, refers to an alleged loss plaintiff claims to have suffered i by reason of his having to absent himself from McComb, Miss., where he was compelled to execute a contract, for street paving, by telephone supervision, being confined to his residence in New Orleans, suffering with his injuries, resulting from the accident.

Whatever' damage plaintiff may have suffered on this account can not be allowed, because remote and inconsequential. Dwyer Bros. vs. Administrators, 47 La. Ann. 1235, 17 South. 796, and authorities there cited. See also Corpus Juris, Verbo Damages, Vol. 17, p. 751.

Plaintiff’s injuries are described as a -sprained knee with contusions followed ■by synovitis. He was incapacitated for two weeks, during which time he suffered, acutely at first, from pains in his knee and leg. He has proven the expense claimed in tha sum of $125.00. We are of opinion that the judgment should be reduced to $1000.00.

It is therefore ordered that the judgment appealed from be amended by reducing the sum awarded plaintiff to the sum of $1000.00, and as thus amended it is affirmed.