On April 24, 2017 Mr. Balson-Cohen won a defense verdict in Kings County in Fernandez v. Chicaiza & CPS Vallejo Limousine Inc. Index No. 12733/2011. After finding the defendants 90% liable in the liability phase, the same jury found that plaintiff did not sustain any permanent or serious injuries as a result of the accident. Plaintiff was a 20 year old front seat passenger in the other vehicle at time of accident and underwent back surgery at two levels (discectomy) to repair a torn annulus (with multiple bulging discs) and claimed the potential need future surgery. Plaintiff’s counsel asked the jury to award 700 K. The defense offered biomechanical expert testimony which challenged plain
On March 23, 2017, Theresa Villani won summary judgment dismissing the plaintiff’s complaint in Salinas v. World Houseware Producing Co. Ltd., Index No. 107662/2010 (Supreme Court, New York County). In this action for products liability, the plaintiff, a Texas resident, sought damages for personal injuries which included severe burns to over 30% of her body allegedly caused by the use of a potholder designed and distributed by our client. The plaintiff claimed that as she was using a potholder to remove a pan from an electric oven, the potholder burst into flames. The plaintiff’s complaint alleged causes of action for strict products liability, negligence, breach of warranty, failure to
