Samuels v. Torres

The issue we must resolve is whether the trial court erred in denying the motion for mistrial made by the plaintiff, Robin Samuels, after defense counsel disclosed to the jury during opening statement how little the defendant, William Torres, earned in income. 1 This issue arises from the appeal of a final judgment awarding Samuels damages in the amount of $70,873.33 in her personal injury action against Torres. 2 Samuels argues that disclosure of Torres’ income entitles her to a new trial because it improperly roused the jury’s sympathy in favor of Torres, which resulted in an inadequate…