Bathgate Wegener & Wolf, P.C. would like to congratulate one of our partners, Jonathan S. Fabricant, Esq. on his recent selection to the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Civil Plaintiffs list.
Author: BWW
Bathgate, Wegener & Wolf Associate Named Top 40 Under 40 Trial Lawyer
Bathgate Wegener & Wolf, P.C. would like to congratulate our newest associate, Nicholas L. Leider, Esq. on his recent selection as a Top 40 Under 40 civil trial lawyer in New Jersey by The National Trial Lawyers.
Ocean County Mortgage Attorney
Bathgate, Wegener, & Wolf Partner, Ryan S. Malc, Esq., successfully represented a private mortgage lender in a long battle to recover the balance due on a mortgage that went into default in 2006, just two years after the loan was given. Over the course of 16 years since the loan went into default, the client made several attempts to collect the overdue balance, including the retention of two other law firms. In January 2022, the client finally came to Mr. Malc for assistance. Mr. Malc sent a demand letter to the debtor, followed by a foreclosure complaint. In just 5 months, through decisive litigation and negotiation strategies, Mr. Malc was able to recover the full balance due on the defaulted mortgage, which amounted to over $350,000.00. Mr. Malc also recovered all his attorneys’ fees from the debtor.
If you are a borrower having trouble with your lender, or a lender having trouble with your borrower, contact Ryan Malc at 732-363-0666 Ext 254, or send him an email at rmalc@bathweg.com..
Motor Vehicle Accident Settled For $1.6 Million by Bathgate, Wegener & Wolf
The Honorable Thomas E. O’Brien, P.J. Cv. (ret.) of Ocean County settled a motor vehicle accident case for the sum of $1.6 million. The plaintiff, now 65 years of age, was operating a motor vehicle, in her lane of travel, when the defendant, employee and son of a luxury car dealer took a high powered Dodge Viper on the roadway for a test ride. Defendant driver traveled recklessly and at an excessive rate of speed causing his “Viper” to spin out and enter the plaintiff’s lane of travel. Both plaintiff’s Hyundai and defendant’s Viper were totally destroyed. Both drivers were transported to the emergency room with loss of consciousness. Plaintiff remained in the hospital for three (3) days and experienced loss of consciousness for that period of time.
The accident was caught on a local business video camera so at mediation liability was not contested.
Plaintiff suffered neck, back, left hand and elbow and head injuries that were treated at the emergency room. Plaintiff had a pre-existing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion in 2020 involving C4 through C7. Post-accident MRI on 4/17/19 revealed a new HD at C3-4, and an EMG on 8/3/20 affirmed a left C5-6 radiculopathy.
Plaintiff’s orthopedic surgeon opined that a future C3-4 discectomy and fusion would be needed above the pre-existing fusion.
On 7/14/21 plaintiff received an anterior and posterior lumbar discectomy and fusion with cages and screws at L2-3,3-4. Plaintiff had lumbar epidurals, facet injections and wore a brace for 10 months. Plaintiff also suffered a transverse process fracture at L1-2.
Plaintiff had pre-existing migraine headaches from 50 years ago. She has been diagnosed with concussion and post- concussion syndrome with reduced concentration and memory anxiety, depression and adjustment disorder. While the defendant claimed plaintiff’s head injuries were pre-existing, the defense IME neurologist admitted plaintiff suffered a concussion and post traumatic anxiety and needs future counseling.
The plaintiff presented no wage loss claim and assumed a medical lien in the approximate amount of $70,000.00. The plaintiff husband’s per quod claim was included in the settlement.
For guidance on your specific legal issue, please contact Judge O’Brien’s assistant, Donna Oliger, at 732-363-0666 Ext 223, or send him an email at tobrien@bathweg.com.
$800,000 Estate Settled With Bathgate, Wegener & Wolf
Brian W. McAlindin, Esq. successfully challenged a late-stage Will of a 94-year-old woman wherein the decedent had left nearly her entire estate to her two best friends in a prior Will. The decedent suffered a fall and deteriorating health requiring a home health aide. Another acquaintance’s daughter became her caretaker, and a new Will was executed less than two months before her demise resulting in nearly her entire estate (valued at approximately $800,000) being left to the caretaker. A Caveat was filed challenging the Will. Mr. McAlindin filed a Verified Complaint seeking to have the late-stage Will declared invalid and not admitted to Probate based upon the suspicious circumstances surrounding the late-stage Will and the undue influence placed upon the decedent by the caretaker. The case settled with the friends receiving two thirds of the estate shortly after the deposition of the caretaker. Brian W. McAlindin, Esq. successfully challenged a late-stage Will of a 94-year-old woman wherein the decedent had left nearly her entire estate to her two best friends in a prior Will.
For guidance on commercial or municipal permits, contact Brian McAlindin at 732-363-0666 Ext 249, or send him an email at bmcalindin@bathweg.com.
$415,000 Settlement Won In Motorcycle Accident Claim
Brian W. McAlindin, Esq. successfully obtained a settlement totaling $415,000 on behalf of a couple involved in a motorcycle accident following arbitration. Plaintiffs were travelling on a motorcycle when a motor vehicle operator failed to observe a Stop sign at a “Y” intersection causing the motorcycle operator to lose control and dump his motorcycle in an effort to avoid defendant’s vehicle. Defendant asserted no liability because no impact between the car and the motorcycle occurred. The motorcycle operator was airlifted to a local trauma center with a trimalleolar ankle fracture requiring open reduction and internal fixation surgery and multiple dermal “road rash” abrasions. His fiancé passenger sustained soft tissue neck and back injuries with an unoperated lumbar disc herniation, as well as road rash abrasions on her arms and legs.
We were successful in obtaining summary judgment on contributing liability on behalf of the motorcycle operator and his case settled for defendant’s per person policy limit of $250,000. His passenger’s case settled for $165,000.
For guidance on commercial or municipal permits, contact Brian McAlindin at 732-363-0666 Ext 249, or send him an email at bmcalindin@bathweg.com.
Bathgate, Wegener & Wolf Obtains Permits For Carteret Ferry
William J. Wolf, Esq. of Bathgate, Wegener & Wolf, P.C., provided legal services that helped the Borough of Carteret achieve the second major component of its plan to develop the municipal waterfront along the Arthur Kill in Middlesex County. Previously, Bill Wolf and a team of professionals mounted a bureaucratic battle to obtain the federal and state permits that were required to construct a 185-slip municipal marina.
Now, the next part of Carteret’s waterfront project can begin. Recently, the Army Corps of Engineers issued the last permit required to build Carteret’s ferry terminal. As stated in a press release issued by Daniel Reiman, who is the Mayor of Carteret, “the permit follows years of work as well as fighting bureaucratic agencies at every level for the needed approvals.” The Mayor stated further that “soon commuters and others traveling to Manhattan will have a fast and direct route from Carteret, avoiding the high costs of gasoline and the frustrations of driving into the city through the tunnels or bridges.” Mayor Reiman also said in a statement “the permit grants approval for on-time construction dredging along the Arthur Kill for about 19,500 cubic yards to a maximum depth of 17 feet. The permit also allows Carteret to install about 130 feet of bulkhead, a 40-by-40-foot pier with two gangways for passengers to access the ferry, steel piling, bumpers and a 200-footlong wave screen.”
Carteret is confident that its “ferry service is slated to provide reliable, quicker and more environmentally friendly transportation service to New York City, cutting travel times to Manhattan to under an hour, while reducing traffic congestion on the New Jersey Turnpike and approaches to the Holland and Lincoln tunnels by getting more commuters out of their cars, according to Carteret officials.” That conclusion is supported by several studies and reports.
Bill Wolf is thankful for the opportunity that Mayor Daniel Reiman gave him to assist Carteret in reaching the two key elements of the rejuvenation of Carteret’s waterfront.
For guidance on commercial or municipal permits, contact William J. Wolf at 732-363-0666 Ext 225, or send him an email at wwolf@bathweg.com.
NJ Motor Vehicle Accident Settlement
The Honorable Thomas E. O’Brien, P.J. Cv. (ret.) of Ocean County settled a sideswipe motor vehicle accident claim for a 64-year old plaintiff for the sum of $300,000.00. The collision involved a dump truck and plaintiff’s BMW Sedan. The liability and damages aspects of this case were highly contested.
The accident occurred when the vehicles were attempting to merge and exit from a main highway. Plaintiff contended she was rear-ended by the dump truck and defendant driver asserted that the plaintiff changed lanes, passed him on the right and that the rear driver’s side behind the wheel well was side-swiped by the front passenger side of the truck. The investigating trooper did not see the motor vehicle accident, heard the parties’ respective descriptions of how the accident happened, and did not issue any tickets.
Plaintiff insisted and answered in her interrogatories that she suffered a rear-end hit. The photos of the vehicles revealed that the Point of Impact was on the rear-side of plaintiff’s car and the front bumper of defendant’s truck. The accident could not be considered a “Big Hit”. All in all, comparative negligence was a big issue and at mediations the parties were conceding that this could be a 50/50 comparative negligence case.
As to the damage issue, this case involved the usual battle of the orthopedic experts. Plaintiff claims that her lumbar surgery involving a foraminotomy, laminectomy and discectomy, without hardware was caused by the motor vehicle accident. In addition, she claims to have suffered cervical herniated discs that will require future fusion surgery. Plaintiff’s surgeon also suggested she may need a second lumbar revision surgery at another segment. The defense IME ortho insisted degeneration existed and that the lumbar surgery was performed on the wrong side and unnecessary. He further opined that any future cervical or lumbar surgery was not needed. Plaintiff had no pre-existing injuries accept a T-12 thoracic fracture as a result of a 25-year old motor vehicle accident. Plaintiff had no viable wage loss or per quod claims.
Since this motor vehicle accident involved a truck, this mediation also involved resolution of PIP and property damage subrogation actions.
For guidance on your specific legal issue, please contact Judge O’Brien’s assistant, Donna Oliger, at 732-363-0666 Ext 223, or send him an email at tobrien@bathweg.com.
NJ Slip & Fall Case Settled For $400,000
The Honorable Thomas E. O’Brien, P.J. Cv. (ret.) of Ocean County settled a trip/fall case today for the sum of $400,000.00. The plaintiff, an apartment complex tenant while parking her car in the lot servicing the demised premises, stepped off a curb adjoining the lot pavement into a “mini” pothole approximately 6” long and 3/4’” deep causing her to sustain a trimalleolar fracture of her left tibia, fibula and medial malleous. Plaintiff was 54 years old at the time of the fall on October 5, 2018.
She underwent a “closed reduction” first surgery at the ER. However, seven (7) days later she had a second open reduction internal fixation surgery. The medial malleolar fragment was reduced and fastened with a 4.5 lag screw and washer and the left distal fibula was stabilized with a plate and eight (8) screws. Plaintiff was placed in a short leg cast. Nine months later the plaintiff was still wearing an ankle brace and contemplating the removal of her ankle hardware in September 2019.
Plaintiff was a student of dance and was taking one lesson per week at the time of the accident. She had medical expenses of approximately $58,000.00. Thankfully, there was only a lien of $3,700.00 in letters of protection. Plaintiff was unmarried with no per quod claim. She also suffered a minor loss wage claim. She had no pre-existing injuries to her left ankle. She had significant scarring on both the inside and outside of her left ankle. Plaintiff’s life expectancy is 29 years and a work-life expectancy of 8 years. The apartment complex and management company are paying the settlement.
Now that the courts are open, Judge O’Brien is most interested in helping litigants resolve their cases pre-trial.
For guidance on your specific legal issue, please contact Judge O’Brien’s assistant, Donna Oliger, at 732-363-0666 Ext 223, or send him an email at tobrien@bathweg.com.
Corporate Shareholder Dispute Settled By Bathgate, Wegener, & Wolf For $200,000,000
A group of Bathgate, Wegener & Wolf attorneys led by partners, Lawrence E. Bathgate, II, Esq., William J. Wolf, Esq., Dominic J. Aprile, Esq. and Ryan S. Malc, Esq., along with colleague Daniel J. Carbone, represented a shareholder in a family-owned private corporation dispute, which resulted in the sale of the company for a total consideration in excess of $200,000,000.00. The firm’s clients realized more than of $65,000,000.00 in cash, in addition to 100% ownership of a real estate portfolio with a value of approximately $40,000,000.00.
Multi-Jurisdictional Estate Claim Settles For $50,000,000
A team of Bathgate, Wegener & Wolf attorneys, led by partners, Lawrence E. Bathgate, II, Dominic J. Aprile, Ryan S. Malc, and colleague Daniel J Carbone, represented (with other out-of-State firms) a resident of Monaco in a multi-jurisdictional estate claim. The claim involved assets in New Jersey, Florida and Europe. The case resulted in a settlement of almost $50,000,000.00 in cash to our client in December 2021.
For guidance on your specific legal issue, contact Lawrence E. Bathgate, II at 732-363-0666 Ext 240, or send him an email at lbathgate@bathweg.com.
Oceanfront Property In Ortley Beach Sold To State of New Jersey
In December 2021, Lawrence E. Bathgate, II represented the ocean front property owner of the Joey Harrison Surf Club in Ortley Beach, Toms River, Ocean County, N.J. on the sale of the property to the State of New Jersey and the Township of Toms River. The large ocean front property valued at more than $10,000,000.00 will be managed by the Township of Toms River and will be the first publicly owned oceanfront park purchased in more than thirty (30) years. The property will be preserved as public open space in perpetuity.
For guidance on your specific legal issue, contact Lawrence E. Bathgate, II at 732-363-0666 Ext 240, or send him an email at lbathgate@bathweg.com.
Manasquan River Park Property Sold With Representation from Bathgate
In mid-2021, Lawrence E. Bathgate, II represented the property owner of a 145-acre vacant parcel of land in Monmouth County contiguous to the Manasquan River Reservoir Park in the sale of the property to the County of Monmouth for a sum in excess of $10,000,000.00. The Manasquan River Reservoir is the largest park in terms of attendance of any County Park in Monmouth County. The land will be preserved as public open space in perpetuity.
For guidance on your specific legal issue, contact Lawrence E. Bathgate, II at 732-363-0666 Ext 240, or send him an email at lbathgate@bathweg.com.
Ocean County Medical Malpractice Attorney Wins Settlement
The Honorable Thomas E. O’Brien, P.J.Cv. (ret) of Ocean County, settled a medical malpractice case on February 2, 2022 for the sum of $350,000.00. A doctor specializing in pediatric medicine while working at a hospital emergency room treated a 10-year old plaintiff for severe pain he was experiencing in his left hip as a result of being involved in a competitive wrestling match.
On the day of his injury, he arrived at the ER at approximately 5:00 p.m. The defendant doctor examined him, took a history, and read a regular x-ray as “normal” and then discharged him at approximately 7:00 p.m. with a diagnosis “groin pain”. The next day plaintiff’s pain was so bad that he consulted with his primary care doctor who immediately directed him to a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon. The Ortho immediately diagnosed plaintiff with a “dislocated left help”. The Ortho then reduced the dislocation after ordering and reading a more appropriate “frog leg” x-ray that led to him making the quick and correct diagnosis of “hip dislocation”.
The plaintiff claimed that the improper diagnosis by the defendant and a 24 hour delay in receiving proper treatment caused him to suffer avascular necrosis in the left hip joint. The plaintiff endured several months of pain, PT, and wheelchair use before and enduring a second open surgery involving decompression of the left hip necrosis. A further consequence of the delay in treatment makes plaintiff, now 14, more subject to further necrosis for which he must be checked every 6 months and a possible candidate in the future for a “total hip replacement”.
The plaintiff’s medical expert opined that the defendant ER doctor deviated from the accepted standards of medical care imposed on an ER doctor. It is interesting that even the defense expert ER doctor opined that the defendant misdiagnosed the injury, that the 24 hour delay caused plaintiff additional injury, a second surgery and future medical complications. The defense expert only asserted that the plaintiff’s recovery was “good”. There were no liens affecting this settlement. The settlement now only needs to be approved at a “Friendly Hearing” by the court.
Judge O’Brien mediates all types of cases and would be most happy to help all litigants resolve their cases.
For guidance on your specific legal issue, contact Thomas E. O’Brien at 732-363-0666 Ext 223, or send him an email at tobrien@bathweg.com.
Motorcycle Accident in NJ Settled For $1,250,000
The Honorable Thomas E. O’Brien, P.J. Cv. (ret.) of Ocean County settled a motorcycle accident case on January 26, 2022 for $1.250,000.00. Plaintiff suffered a left mid tibia displaced fracture of his left leg that was repaired with an open reduction internal fixation surgery. He also had four (4) toes on his left foot repaired with pins. Repair of his left ankle open wound was partially effectuated after four (4) plastic surgeries. The ankle wound remains unhealed to this date since plaintiff is a diabetic. He also suffered a mildly displaced left clavicle fracture. The 60-year old plaintiff handyman is now unable to work.
The liability portion of the case was originally in dispute, but a thorough review of the police report and traffic light sequencing revealed that while the defendant/operator did see two (2) green lights thinking he had the right-of-way, there was a controlling green left-turn arrow that had not activated hence giving the motorcycle operator the right-of-way. So, when the defendant proceeded to make the left-hand turn through the intersection the motorcycle was unable to stop and crashed into defendant’s car with the plaintiff being thrown ten (10) feet into the air and on to the roadway. Thankfully, plaintiff only suffered lower extremity injuries because he was wearing a helmet.
Defendant was insured with both a primary policy of $300,000.00 and an excess policy in the amount of $1,000,000.00. The plaintiff’s settlement reflected his recovery for pain and suffering, loss wages of approximately $82,800.00 and medical expenses. Medical expenses were incurred in the amount of $3,840,451.35. However, plaintiff’s personal automobile insurer paid $250,000.00 in PIP benefits towards the medical expenses and after fee scheduling the remaining and outstanding medical expenses were reduced to $362,000.00.
For guidance on your specific legal issue, contact Thomas E. O’Brien at 732-363-0666 Ext 223, or send him an email at tobrien@bathweg.com.
Life Insurance
Bathgate, Wegener & Wolf, P.C. recently represented the beneficiary of a life insurance policy. Upon the death of the insured, the life insurance carrier refused to pay the death benefit to the beneficiary. Plaintiff filed suit, seeking entitlement to the death benefit. Through mediation efforts, Bathgate, Wegener & Wolf, P.C. was able to obtain a favorable settlement in the amount of $65,000.00 for the client.
If you are the victim of a professional negligence or an insurance carrier’s refusal to pay a benefit owed to you, Bathgate, Wegener & Wolf, P.C. has the experience, knowledge, and expertise necessary to obtain a favorable result on your behalf. Contact Daniel J. Carbone at 732-363-0666 Ext. 211, or send him an email at dcarbone@bathweg.com to discuss your case today.
Your Right to Work
The United States is experiencing a work shortage with a record number of job openings in the market. However, despite the pandemic, most employees still prefer candidates with several years of experience and a willingness and availability to work in-person, during the evenings, and to work on the weekends.
In such a tight market, where qualified employees are in short supply, employers are relying more and more on restrictive covenants to prevent their employees from resigning their positions or from competing with their employer in the event they seek employment with a competitor.
What Is A Restrictive Covenant?
Restrictive covenants attempt to limit an employee’s ability to compete with his or her employer or to solicit business from their employer. Sometimes, restrictive covenants even limit an employee’s ability to work in the same field or in the same geographical region in the event they resign their position with their employer.
However, restrictive covenants are not absolute. In New Jersey, restrictive covenants are generally disfavored as restraints on trade and are narrowly construed by the Courts. While restrictive covenants are generally enforceable, your right to work and provide for yourself trumps an unreasonable restriction on your ability to work. Thus, to be enforceable, a restrictive covenant must protect a legitimate business interest of the employer, cannot be unduly burdensome to the employee, and must be in the public interest. Solari Industries, Inc. v. Malady, 264 A.2d 53 (N.J. 1970).
When Are Restrictive Covenants Illegal?
For example, a restrictive covenant will likely be deemed unenforceable where it is too broad in geographical or durational scope. In circumstances where a restrictive covenant is too broad, New Jersey Courts have the ability to invalidate the restrictive covenant or to “blue pencil” the restrictive covenant. In other words, the Courts have the ability to tailor an unreasonable restriction so that it is reasonable and not unduly burdensome on the employee.
In today’s job market, employers are relying more on restrictive covenants and are more likely to enforce them through legal action than ever before. If you are being asked to sign a restrictive covenant as a condition of new employment or are already subject to a restrictive covenant and you are seeking employment with a competitor that would potentially violate those restrictions, you should proceed with caution. Daniel J. Carbone, Esq. has the knowledge and experience to advise you of your options so that you can successfully exercise your right to work without fear of legal consequence.
For guidance on your specific legal issue, contact Daniel J. Carbone at 732-363-0666 Ext. 211, or send him an email at dcarbone@bathweg.com.
NJ Legal Mediation
On December 1, 2021 the Honorable Thomas E. O’Brien, P.J.Cv., (retired), mediated a case that arose out of a fight between two patrons in an Atlantic City bar. At approximately 12:30 a.m., two (2) males about 30 years of age got into an argument and physical altercation. The two were not friends but were both Atlantic City residents who were remotely acquainted. The bar had three (3) security people on duty that night. A security guard then escorted one patron (defendant) out of the bar through the front door and instructed the other patron (plaintiff) to remain inside the bar until the other walked home. Defendant was walking home and was on the sidewalk at the rear outside patio bar. At that point, the plaintiff ignored the instruction and left the main bar, entered the patio bar, ranting and raving and approached the rear fence adjoining the sidewalk and punched the defendant in the head. The plaintiff then stepped back approximately seven (7) feet from the fence and launched a second attack, which was thwarted when the Defendant punched plaintiff in the face with such force that the plaintiff fell straight back and hit his head on the patio floor. Plaintiff was unconscious for approximately 5 minutes. Security called the police and EMT’s but before they arrived the plaintiff fled the scene.
The entire event was videoed by a patron, which confirmed, as did multiple witnesses, that the plaintiff was the aggressor. The defendant was initially charged with aggravated assault, but the charges were subsequently dismissed.
The plaintiff then brought suit against the defendant patron for intentional tort and the bar for negligence in that the plaintiff patron was not provided with a safe business space or adequate security.
The liability aspect of this case was extremely challenging for the plaintiff because in this intentional tort case comparative negligence of the defendant, bar and plaintiff would have to be assessed by the jury. The plaintiff could have easily been held over 50% comparatively negligent. The defendant patron never answered in this case and was not insured and is probably insolvent. By this settlement, the defendant patron was dismissed from the case.
However, the damages aspect was a “slam dunk” in that the plaintiff suffered a very traumatic brain injury. Plaintiff had a craniotomy and a catherization to remove an arterial embolism. Plaintiff suffered typical TBI permanent injuries and aggravation of pre-existing conditions.
The case was settled at Mediation for $150,000.00. with the plaintiff being responsible to pay back a $15,000 medical lien. The bar had a $250,000.00 assault and battery, self-reducing, policy rider that necessitated a speedy resolution. Counsel quickly and wisely sought mediation in hopes of resolving the case before all was potentially lost to both litigants. Legal and expert fees were kept to a minimum.
Judge O’Brien suggests to all litigants in considering mediation that they reflect on the realities surrounding their cases since often “half of a loaf is better than none.” Please feel free to contact him if you want to discuss the propriety of electing mediation early in a case. The Courts are reopening so now is the time to schedule mediations.
Contact Judge O’Brien at 732-363-0666 Ext 223, or send him an email at tobrien@bathweg.com.
NJ Commercial Debt Forgiveness
Mr. Malc represented a client who received two commercial loans totaling $930,000.00. The loans were insured by the Small Business Administration (“SBA”). When the client’s up-and-coming business fell victim to extraordinary challenges, the business shuttered, and the loans could not be repaid. Mr. Malc’s client did all it could to mitigate damages to the Bank, including selling assets to repay a portion of the debt. Despite those efforts, the Bank filed a foreclosure complaint to foreclose the mortgages that secured the two loans, and also filed a separate complaint to collect the unpaid balance of the loans.
Mr. Malc challenged both lawsuits in court and was able to hold them in abeyance while settlement discussions ensued. Mr. Malc spent approximately two years negotiating with the lending bank, the SBA, and the United States Treasury. With accrued interest, the bank was seeking to collect nearly $1.2 million dollars from Mr. Malc’s client.
In the end, using multiple litigation and settlement strategies, Mr. Malc was able to get the bank and the SBA to forgive the debt, release the personal guarantors, and discharge the mortgages. With the mortgages discharged, Mr. Malc’s client was able to sell his home for a sizable profit and get out from under crippling debt.
If you are facing foreclosure or a collection lawsuit, whether it is related to residential, commercial or SBA-backed debt, Ryan S. Malc, Esq. has the knowledge and experience to guide you through that process and to assist you in achieving the best possible results.
Contact Ryan Malc at 732-363-0666 Ext 254, or send him an email at rmalc@bathweg.com.
Recent Mediation Case
COVID-19 has slowed down the adjudication of cases and the active Mediation of the more substantial ones. Now that the court system is in the process of moving cases again, it is more important than ever that you move your case to Mediation immediately and that we all get back to pre-COVID mediation levels.
On November 12, 2021, Judge O’Brien, a retired Presiding Civil Judge from Ocean County settled an Ocean County Dram Shop case for $325,000.00. Plaintiff was driving the second car in a three car accident. Plaintiff’s vehicle was rear-ended and pushed into the vehicle ahead of his. The Defendant drunken driver had a $15,000.00 policy that was offered immediately. He also had one prior DUI. Defendant’s BAC was .22 at the time of the crash which occurred one mile from the bar where the Defendant had been drinking. Plaintiff’s claim was that the Defendant was “visibly intoxicated” at the time he was served at the Defendant’s bar. The 30-year old Plaintiff with no pre-existing conditions suffered herniated discs at C2-3, 4-5, 5-6, 6-7 and T2-3 as well as herniated discs at L3-4, 4-5 and L5,S-1. His treatment consisted of epidurals, trigger points, branch blocks and radio frequency ablation. He also had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. His treating doctors projected possible anterior cervical fusion/discectomy and a knee replacement. Plaintiff was self-employed and has no lost wages.
Judge O’Brien will conduct mediations either live or by Zoom
How Is COVID-19 Impacting The Legal System?
The effects of COVID-19 on our way of life are felt everywhere. No matter what you do for a living, your work has undoubtedly been affected by Covid. The legal field is no different. If you are involved in a lawsuit, you know full well that Covid has made a slow process significantly slower—especially if your matter is bogged down in the court system, where access to the courtroom is extremely limited.
Since COVID reared its ugly head, I have been advising my clients to consider alternate methods of resolving their legal disputes. Clients who have taken that advice are happy they did. Those alternate methods include mediation and arbitration. While courts are dealing with unprecedented backlogs of cases, lawsuits are lingering, legal fees are rising, and disputes that in normal times would have already been scheduled for trial, are left unresolved. For those reasons, litigants who are willing to explore mediation or arbitration are resolving their disputes much faster and more cost effectively than those who are less flexible.
What Is the Difference Between Mediation & Arbitration?
Mediation is a process where the mutual consent of the parties is necessary to resolve a dispute. Essentially, mediation is similar to a settlement conference where a hired mediator acts as an intermediary to assist the parties in reaching a resolution. While the process itself is voluntary, any agreement reached at a mediation will be binding on all parties. It is the most cost-effective method of resolving a dispute.
Arbitration is much different than mediation. Parties can voluntarily submit their matter to arbitration, or, depending on the nature of the parties’ relationship, they can be contractually obligated to resolve their dispute through arbitration. Arbitration is similar to a trial but is held outside of the courthouse and is presided by an arbitrator, who is typically hired by the parties. At the arbitration hearing, the parties present testimony and documentary evidence, just as they would in a trial. At the conclusion of the hearing, the arbitrator issues a decision, which is binding on the parties and, except for very rare circumstances, is not subject to reversal by appeal.
Whichever alternative dispute resolution process works for you, our firm has been resolving disputes between parties outside of court for decades. Ocean and Monmouth County residents looking to expedite the legal process and have their issues resolved in a cost-efficient manner can contact Ryan S. Malc, Esq. of Bathgate Wegener & Wolf.
Firm Partner Brian W. McAlindin to Appear on Fox News Live
Brian W. McAlindin, Esq. is scheduled to appear on Fox News Channel’s “The Story with Martha MacCallum” where he joins a panel of “Dads” regarding Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s US Supreme Court nomination hearings. Mr. McAlindin will weigh in on how parents feel about possible sexual assault allegations against or by their children.
The show airs live on Fox News on Wednesday October 3rd at 7:00 p.m. EST.
Justice Prevails As Ryan S. Malc, Esq. Successfully Defends Marijuana And Paraphernalia Charges On Behalf Of His Client
Ryan S. Malc, Esq. recently defended a man who was charged in Neptune City, NJ with possession of under 50 grams of marijuana and possession of marijuana-related paraphernalia. Mr. Malc’s client was stopped after allegedly making an illegal left turn.
During the stop, the police officer asked Mr. Malc’s client to exit his vehicle, whereupon a comprehensive search of the vehicle was conducted. During the search, the police officer allegedly found a zip locked bag of marijuana, a grinder, and a roach clip. Mr. Malc’s client was placed under arrest and his request to see the evidence allegedly found during the search was denied by the police officer.
Based on the facts described above, Mr. Malc filed a motion with the Neptune City Municipal Judge to suppress the evidence allegedly found during the motor vehicle search. Mr. Malc’s motion was granted. Once the evidence was suppressed, Mr. Malc filed another motion to dismiss all charges against his client. That motion was also granted. On the day the charges were dismissed, Mr. Malc’s client welcomed his first child into the world. Needless to say, it was a great day for this client—justice prevailed and a beautiful baby girl was born.
If you have been charged with possession of marijuana or any other drug, give Mr. Malc a call for a free consultation.
Carteret Ferry Moves Forward
The law firm of Bathgate Wegener & Wolf, P.C. (“BWW”) has represented the Borough of Carteret since 2013. During that time senior partner William Wolf represented Carteret in relation to the development of its waterfront for various public purposes including a 190 boat marina and a ferry terminal for service from Carteret to New York City. This ferry service will not just benefit the residents of Carteret but the ferry from Carteret to New York City will expand commuting options to New York City on a regional basis consisting of Middlesex County, Union County, Somerset County, Monmouth County and Ocean County.
With the New Jersey Turnpike at or over-capacity, the overcrowded NJ Transit Bus Service struggling to accommodate commuters, and the absence of direct rail service to or from Carteret, the ferry will provide a convenient and reliable transportation alternative to New York City. The Carteret Ferry Terminal is likely to accelerate the transformation of an area of environmental degradation into a catalyst for economic development while reducing congestion on the New Jersey Turnpike and roads leading into the Holland and Lincoln Tunnels. The estimated travel time by ferry between Carteret and New York City is fifty (50) minutes.
The ferry service from Carteret to New York City will be a component of a truly intermodal transportation hub. Carteret will provide municipal jitney service to the ferry terminal. It is anticipated that the Carteret ferry terminal will become one of the stops on a bus route currently operated by New Jersey Transit. The Carteret ferry terminal is only several minutes away from Exit 12 on the New Jersey Turnpike; thus, making the ferry a cost-effective final leg for motorists connecting to New York City from locations in Middlesex County, Union County, Somerset County, Monmouth County and Ocean County.
Recently, Carteret announced two major milestones in the plan to provide ferry service between Carteret and New York City. First, Carteret passed a major hurdle in the construction of the Carteret Ferry Terminal. The New Jersey Department of Transportation notified the Borough that the Interagency Review Committee (IRC) including the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) recommended approval for the Borough to proceed to the Preliminary Engineering phase of the Carteret Ferry Terminal project. This determination brings the Borough one step closer to receiving $2,213,833 in federal construction funds. Second, The Federal Transit Administration awarded $6 million to New Jersey Transit to purchase a 299-seat passenger ferry that it, in turn, will lease to Carteret for $1 per year, bringing the total federal funding for the project to over $10 million. The ferry boat will be built to Carteret’s specifications. Additional boats will be provided by the operator who will be selected through public bidding.
If you have any questions regarding the development of the Carteret waterfronts or ferry service between Carteret and New York City, please contact William J. Wolf, Esq. at 732-363-0666 or send an email to wwolf@bathweg.com.
Mr. Wolf is a Senior Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America, he has been designated as a Super Lawyer and AV Preeminent® for many years. Mr. Wolf has been certified by the American Institute of Appellate Practice as an appellate specialist.
