Drew v. Andrews , 15 N.Y. Sup. Ct. 23 ( 1876 )

BARNARD, P. J.:

I think there should be a new trial granted. The action-was for work and labor done by plaintiff for defendant, and for materials furnished. There were five separate causes of action set forth in the complaint. The answer, while admitting some work done at the prices claimed, averred that it had been fully paid. The trial was sharply contested. After the case, went to the jury and they had deliberated for about two hours they requested of the court, information as to what a witness for defendant had testified in reference to a portion of the work claimed for. The counsel for the defendant, in the presence of plaintiff’s counsel, asked the court to bring in the jury and state the evidence to them as requested.. This most reasonable request was refused. A short .time after, the jury returned into court and said they had agreed. They said they found for the plaintiff, fixing no amount. Upon being told they must find a specific amount they stated they were unable to do so not having the measurements. The court thereupon directed the jury to take the pleadings and retire again and fix the amount. This was objected to by defendant, and the decision of the court permitting the jury to take the pleadings duly excepted to. The jury then fixed the exact amount claimed by plaintiff, with interest from the date claimed in the complaint, with costs as claimed therein. The amount of the claim proven on the trial, was $1,629.01, with possible thirty-one dollars additional. The amount of payment proven was $1,304.91. The verdict is for a greater sum than the difference between either claim after deducting payments. The pleadings were not evidence even, beyond the portion thereof admitted in the answer.

1 think the judgment should be reversed and new trial granted, costs to abide event.

GilbeRt, J., concurred. Present — BabNArd, P. J., Gilbert and DyemaN, JJ.

Judgment and order denying new trial reversed, and new trial granted, costs to abide event.