Man Wins Suit Against Coin-Tossing Collector

A man who claimed his teeth were chipped and cracked when a Thruway toll collector threw a nickel at him was awarded $20,330.

David Niethe of Youngstown said it happened in 1989 after he told a Grand Island toll collector who was fumbling for change: “It looks like you’re having a rough day, keep the change.”

Niethe said the collector responded by hurling the nickel at him, chipping one of his front teeth and cracking another. Niethe had his teeth fixed for $613 and sued the Thruway Authority.

Court of Claims Judge Edgar NeMoyer awarded Niethe $240 for lost wages, $613 in dental bills, $2,800 for future dental expenses, $5,000 for cosmetic damages in the future and $10,000 for past and future pain and suffering. Nine percent interest is due as well, the judge decided Jan. 16.