Frog Fear Wins NY Man More Than $1.6 Million

People are scared of a variety of things, such as heights, snakes and spiders.  One New York man’s phobia has helped him pocket a hefty sum…in a real estate dispute.

FOX News Radio’s Chris Hoenig explains:

Paul Marinaccio is scared of frogs.

(Frogs Ribbiting)

So when runoff from a nearby development led to a frog infestation on his property, Marinaccio sued the developer and the town of Clarence, outside of Buffalo.  A jury awarding Marinaccio $1.6 million, but attorney Joseph Manna says don’t go jumping to conclusions.

(Manna) “I don’t think the frog issue was about a 5- or 10-minute testimony in a three-and-a-half week trial.”

…Saying the real issue was a business deal that croaked because of the runoff.

(Manna) “He was in the middle of trying to develop this 40-acre parcel.”

Though Manna admits:

(Manna) “He does have a fear of the frogs.”

An appeals court tossing out an additional $250,000 in punitive damages.

Chris Hoenig, FOX News Radio.