Court Throws Out NYC Officer's $5M Award
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- An appeals court has thrown out a verdict that awarded $5 million to a former New York City police officer who accidentally shot himself in the knee.
Anderson Alexander claimed he shot himself in 2002 while leaning back in a faulty chair in Brooklyn's 73rd Precinct. He retired after undergoing several surgeries.
The 2008 jury found the city was negligent despite testimony that nothing broke on the chair.
A lower court had declined to throw out the verdict. But last week, the Appellate Division overruled that judge.
Attorney Matthew Naparty said Alexander is evaluating his options.
Tort Division Chief Fay Leoussis said the suit was without merit and the city's Law Department is pleased that the appeals court agreed.
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