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
