The Region - News from July 30, 1985

A Hollywood couple has agreed to accept $2.1 million instead of the jury’s verdict of $7.4 million rather than re-try their civil suit against Liberty Mutual Insurance Co. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Carlos E. Velarde reduced the jury’s award to Alex and Mary Jean Hronis, ruling that it was excessive and unsupported by sufficient evidence. He gave the couple the choice of accepting his figures or facing a new trial on the amount of damages. Hronis, 71, accepted $50,000 instead of $225,000 compensatory damages and his wife, 66, accepted $75,000 instead of $125,000. Each will get $1 million rather than $3.5 million punitive damages.