In Keaney v. City of New York , Michael Keaney was injured while working on a renovation project at P.S. 99 in Queens. (Two planks fell from a 30-foot scaffold hitting and fracturing the guy's shoulder.)
At the damages trial, Keaney -- who claimed to suffer from restricted shoulder movement and supposedly needed to take pain killers three or four times a week -- was awarded $700,000 for past pain and suffering and $900,000 for future pain and suffering.
Since that outcome was seen as excessive, the Appellate Division, Second Department, directed a new trial on damages unless Keaney agreed to accept $200,000 for past pain and suffering and $300,000 for future pain and suffering. (A $1.1M reduction.)
Bet Keaney didn't have time, room or need for that .
To view a copy of the Appellate Division's decision, please use this link: Keaney v. City of New York