Largest Individual PI Offer in NJ History
$90,000,000
Paralyzed Brain Damage Victim — Verizon Utility Pole
Meister v. Verizon New Jersey Inc.
A woman walking to the bus stop was struck by a severely rotted, decayed Verizon utility pole. KSM argued Verizon acted with willful disregard for public safety. KSM received a $90 million offer to settle — the largest individual personal injury settlement offer in New Jersey history.
Essex County Jury Verdict
$8,000,000
School Gym Class Injury
Dickens v. Irvington Board of Education
Middle school student Destinee Dickens sustained serious injuries to her left arm after falling over a wire/cable during gym class. The school ignored the palpably unreasonable danger. Destinee developed arthritis at age 19 and suffered neurological damage. Essex County jury awarded $8 million.
City of Newark Settlement
$6,000,000
Manhole Injuries
Campos v. City of Newark
A 43-year-old Newark woman fell into a hole covered by a metal construction plate. The City knew of a broken pipe beneath the plate for years but kept applying patches instead of fixing it. Ms. Campos underwent eight back surgeries. KSM obtained a $6 million settlement from the City.
Jury Verdict
$4,700,000
Injured Senior — Concrete Car-Stop
Newark Public Housing Complex
A 67-year-old woman had her throat crushed against a curb after tripping over a negligently placed concrete car-stop directly in front of the building entranceway. KSM argued the placement created an unreasonable hazard. The jury awarded $4.7 million.
Civil Rights Settlement
$4,000,000
Excessive Force — Inmate Death
Dawkins v. County of Union
Jonathan Dawkins, a schizophrenic inmate, died after guards used pepper spray and pressed down on his torso while removing him from his cell. Video showed him gasping for breath before going limp. He arrived at the medical department already brain dead. KSM secured $4 million for his Estate.
NJ Transit Settlement
$3,400,000
Bus Passenger Crash
Banks v. Jersey City Transit Corp.
Two NJ Transit bus passengers were severely injured when their bus was broadsided by another NJ Transit bus running a red light. NJ Transit denied liability, claiming the driver suffered a medical emergency. KSM overcame that defense and obtained a $3.395 million global settlement.