Insight

Largest Pain and Suffering Award Affirmed in New York History

Preeminent trial lawyer Benedict Morelli on achieving a precedent shifting result.

Largest Award Affirmed in New York History
JF

John Fields

December 6, 2021 05:50 AM

In late June 2013, Mark Perez was setting up the Best Buy booth for a concert at the Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, New York. As Perez was putting together the two-level booth—and standing at least 10 feet above the ground—a union stagehand hired by Live Nation drove a forklift into the structure, causing him to plummet to the ground and sustain massive brain injuries, skull fractures, spinal fractures, fractured ribs and a punctured and collapsed lung.

During his initial hospitalization, Perez was put into a medically induced coma, placed on life support and intubated with feeding, chest and tracheal tubes. After emerging from the coma, he underwent a comprehensive brain injury rehabilitation program but still required four brain surgeries between 2013 and 2015. Perez will likely need additional brain surgeries, suffers from posttraumatic epilepsy, and is now constantly at risk of having seizures.

“Mark is keenly aware of how his quality of life has deteriorated,” notes Benedict Morelli, Perez’s attorney. “He will have to live with that intense physical and emotional suffering for the rest of his life.”

Morelli, a renowned plaintiff’s attorney, has an impressive track record of taking cases to trial and winning—and Perez’s lawsuit proved no different: In December 2019, Morelli and his team obtained a $102 million verdict for Perez. After Morelli argued in front of the Appellate Division, First Department, the court upheld $20 million in pain and suffering, the largest affirmed award in the state’s history. With lost wages and medical expenses, the entire award came to about $50 million.

“The court recognized the unique circumstances of Mark’s case and his profound awareness of his loss of enjoyment of life,” says Morelli. “The decision will create a new benchmark for catastrophic injury cases, pushing the court into a more modern era.”

Headline Image: Statia Grossman

Related Articles

One of NY’s Top Personal Injury Lawyers on 2 Surprising Trends Transforming the Industry


by Gregory Sirico

Lawyer Jeff Korek talks emerging personal injury law trends in IVF litigation and trial scarcity.

Doctor consoles couple in medical office

The Role of Medical Experts in Catastrophic Injury Cases


by Timothy A. Loranger

When catastrophic injury is the result of an accident, medical experts can play a crucial role in the legal process, providing transparency for all involved.

Doctor and nurse discussing an X-ray scan

IN PARTNERSHIP

Common Personal Injury Claims and the Importance of Hiring a Lawyer


by Joshua Michael Palmintier

The Palmintier Law Group sheds light on why it's crucial for individuals to hire legal representation when facing one of many different personal injury claims.

Hard hat on the floor with person in the background

IN PARTNERSHIP

Should I Hire a Lawyer After a Car Accident in Lawrenceville?


by Yari D. Lawson

If you or a loved one have suffered from a crash, here’s why hiring a car accident lawyer in Lawrenceville, GA, is a good idea to ensure you get compensation.

First responders assessing a car accident scene

IN PARTNERSHIP

What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Lawyer After a Car Accident?


by Jamie S. Cogburn

Want to learn more about the benefits of hiring a car accident lawyer? Contact J. Cogburn Law for a free consultation with a Las Vegas car accident lawyer.

Man at desk writing with two toy cars in front of him

Why You Should Hire a Lawyer When Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit


by Best Lawyers

When filing personal injury claims, which is typically a complex and distressing process, consider consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney.

Unseen individual with hand brace points to a legal contract

IN PARTNERSHIP

8 Situations That Require a Personal Injury Lawyer


by Sagi Shaked

An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you obtain the compensation you need after an accident. Learn about 8 situations that require an attorney here.

Man with cast on leg resting with crutches in background

Unwavering Dedication to Clients


by Best Lawyers

Trial attorneys Michael Lyons and Chris Simmons find motivation when the result means everything.

Trial Attorneys at Lyons & Simmons

Texas' Best Lawyers 2022


by Best Lawyers

Our Texas' Best Lawyers 2022 publication features top-ranked legal talent in Texas.

Texas' Best Lawyers 2022

New England's Best Lawyers 2022


by Best Lawyers

Our New England's Best Lawyers 2022 publication features top-ranked legal talent in New England.

New England's Best Lawyers 2022

Think Inside the Box


by David M. Carter

Black box data retrieval after a serious accident—it’s not just for commercial airplanes anymore.

Car Black Box Data for Personal Injury

Announcing the 2022 Best Lawyers: The Injury & Malpractice Issue


by Best Lawyers

Featuring the top legal talent from The Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America and “Lawyer of the Year” recipients for personal injury and medical malpractice as well as thought leadership from some of the nation’s top lawyers.

Best Lawyers Injury & Malpractice Publication

Results That Make a Difference


by John Fields

Thomas Moore and Judith Livingston continue to secure some of the largest verdicts in New York state for their injured clients.

Largest Injury Verdicts in New York State

Talent Meets Teamwork


by John Fields

A combination of skill and collaboration has led to enduring success at personal injury firm Block O’Toole & Murphy.

New York Firm's Personal Injury Success

A Reputation for Success


by Justin Smulison

Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year” David Perecman on his 40-plus years representing injury victims.

A 40 Year Career in Personal Injury

New York's Best Lawyers 2022


by Best Lawyers

Our 2022 New York's Best Lawyers publication features top-ranked legal talent and legal editorial from firms in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

New York's Best Lawyers 2022

Trending Articles

2025 Best Lawyers Awards Announced: Honoring Outstanding Legal Professionals Across the U.S.


by Jennifer Verta

Introducing the 31st edition of The Best Lawyers in America and the fifth edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America.

Digital map of the United States illuminated by numerous bright lights

Unveiling the 2025 Best Lawyers Awards Canada: Celebrating Legal Excellence


by Jennifer Verta

Presenting the 19th edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada and the 4th edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada.

Digital map of Canadathis on illuminated by numerous bright lights

Legal Distinction on Display: 15th Edition of The Best Lawyers in France™


by Best Lawyers

The industry’s best lawyers and firms working in France are revealed in the newly released, comprehensive the 15th Edition of The Best Lawyers in France™.

French flag in front of country's outline

Discover The Best Lawyers in Spain 2025 Edition


by Jennifer Verta

Highlighting Spain’s leading legal professionals and rising talents.

Flags of Spain, representing Best Lawyers country

Presenting the 2025 Best Lawyers Editions in Chile, Colombia, Peru and Puerto Rico


by Jennifer Verta

Celebrating top legal professionals in South America and the Caribbean.

Flags of Puerto Rico, Chile, Colombia, and Peru, representing countries featured in the Best Lawyers

Unveiling the 2025 Best Lawyers Editions in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal and South Africa


by Jennifer Verta

Best Lawyers celebrates the finest in law, reaffirming its commitment to the global legal community.

Flags of Brazil, Mexico, Portugal and South Africa, representing Best Lawyers countries

Announcing the 13th Edition of Best Lawyers Rankings in the United Kingdom


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers is proud to announce the newest edition of legal rankings in the United Kingdom, marking the 13th consecutive edition of awards in the country.

British flag in front of country's outline

Prop 36 California 2024: California’s Path to Stricter Sentencing and Criminal Justice Reform


by Jennifer Verta

Explore how Prop 36 could shape California's sentencing laws and justice reform.

Illustrated Hands Breaking Chains Against a Bright Red Background

Announcing the 16th Edition of the Best Lawyers in Germany Rankings


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers announces the 16th edition of The Best Lawyers in Germany™, featuring a unique set of rankings that highlights Germany's top legal talent.

German flag in front of country's outline

Celebrating Excellence in Law: 11th Edition of Best Lawyers in Italy™


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers announces the 11th edition of The Best Lawyers in Italy™, which features an elite list of awards showcasing Italy's current legal talent.

Italian flag in front of country's outline

Tampa Appeals Court ‘Sends Clear Message,” Ensuring School Tax Referendum Stays on Ballot


by Gregory Sirico

Hillsborough County's tax referendum is back on the 2024 ballot, promising $177 million for schools and empowering residents to decide the future of education.

Graduation cap in air surrounded by pencils and money

Find the Best Lawyers for Your Needs


by Jennifer Verta

Discover how Best Lawyers simplifies the attorney search process.

A focused woman with dark hair wearing a green top and beige blazer, working on a tablet in a dimly

Key Developments and Trends in U.S. Commercial Litigation


by Justin Smulison

Whether it's multibillion-dollar water cleanliness verdicts or college athletes vying for the right to compensation, the state of litigation remains strong.

Basketball sits in front of stacks of money

Woman on a Mission


by Rebecca Blackwell

Baker Botts partner and intellectual property chair Christa Brown-Sanford discusses how she juggles work, personal life, being a mentor and leadership duties.

Woman in green dress crossing her arms and posing for headshot

The Human Cost


by Justin Smulison

2 new EU laws aim to reshape global business by enforcing ethical supply chains, focusing on human rights and sustainability

Worker wearing hat stands in field carrying equipemtn

Introduction to Demand Generation for Law Firms


by Jennifer Verta

Learn the essentials of demand gen for law firms and how these strategies can drive client acquisition, retention, and long-term success.

Illustration of a hand holding a magnet, attracting icons representing individuals towards a central