SORGHO v. AUTOZONE 2962 (2019)

Judgment (Brenda Rivera, J.), entered on or about February 13, 2019, reversed, without costs, and new trial ordered.

Plaintiff instituted this small claims action based on allegations that defendant negligently installed a battery in plaintiff's vehicle resulting in damage to the electrical system. At trial, defendant's witness denied that its employee installed the battery and testified that plaintiff performed the installation. The trial presented a pure credibility contest based on conflicting testimony which, due to the court's failure to issue a written decision in conformity with CPLR 4213(b), went unaddressed below. In this posture, and given that the documentary evidence shown to the trial court was not marked as exhibits or introduced into evidence and is thus absent from the record on appeal, we are constrained to order a new trial.

THIS CONSTITUTES THE DECISION AND ORDER OF THE COURT.

Per Curiam.