From October
2001 Update
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1. CLIENT INTERVIEW
I. OVERVIEW
§1:00 Purpose
§1:10 Goals
II. INITIAL TELEPHONE SCREENING
§1:20 Purpose
§1:30 Classification of Client and Accident
§1:40 Sample Questions
III. CONDUCTING INTERVIEW
A. PROCEDURE
§1:50 Investigators or Paralegals
§1:60 Questioning Tactics
§1:70 Attorney-Client Relationship
§1:71 Client Role
§1:72 Attorney Role
§1:80 Elements of Recovery
§1:90 Fees and Disbursements
§1:100 Physician Referrals
§1:101 Avoiding Attacks on Referred Physicians
B. DISCUSSING DIFFICULT TOPICS
§1:110 Potential Recovery
§1:120 Probability of Success
C. SAMPLE QUESTIONS
§1:130 Overview
§1:140 Personal History
§1:141 Identity
§1:142 Family Status
§1:143 Occupation
§1:144 Educational Background
§1:145 Military Status
§1:146 Involvement with Courts and Government
§1:147 Sports and Hobbies
§1:148 Prior Medical Conditions
§1:149 Additional “Member of Household” Insurance
§1:150 Form: Client Intake Sheet
§1:160 General Liability Information
§1:161 Date, Time and Weather
§1:162 Accident Location
§1:163 Area of Accident
§1:164 Accident Description
§1:165 Prime Defendant’s Vehicle
§1:166 Host Vehicle
§1:167 Additional Vehicles
§1:168 Emergency Response to Accident
§1:169 Witnesses
§1:170 Pedestrian Cases
§1:171 Crossing at Intersection
§1:172 Crossing: Not at Intersection
§1:173 Non-crossing Accidents
§1:174 Car Mounts Sidewalk
§1:175 Non-vehicular Causes
§1:180 Passenger Cases
§1:181 Relationship to Driver
§1:182 Problems with Host Vehicle
§1:183 Driver Impairments
§1:184 Seatbelts and Safety Devices
§1:185 Passenger Actions and Distractions
§1:186 Additional Coverage Considerations
§1:187 Commercial Vehicles
§1:190 Driver Cases
§1:191 Driver Qualifications
§1:192 Familiarity with Vehicle
§1:193 Familiarity with Area of Accident
§1:194 Driver’s Observations of Accident
§1:195 Driver’s Actions
§1:196 Post-accident Actions
§1:197 Traffic Control Devices in Area
§1:198 One-car Collisions
§1:200 Injury Information
§1:201 Initial Experience at Time of Accident
§1:202 First Medical Attention
§1:203 Ambulance
§1:204 Hospital or Emergency Room
§1:205 Treating Physicians
§1:206 Medical Specialists
§1:207 Prosthetics, Crutches or Aids
§1:210 Special Damage Information
§1:211 Medical Expenses
§1:212 Nursing Services
§1:213 Therapy and Prosthetics
§1:214 Lost Wages or Income
§1:215 Transportation Costs
§1:216 Domestic Help
§1:217 Property Damage
IV. WRITE-UP SHEET
§1:220 Use
V. FORMS AND AUTHORIZATIONS
§1:230 Overview
§1:231 Retainers
§1:232 Form: Sliding Scale Contingent Retainer
§1:233 Form: One-third Contingent Retainer
§1:240 Medical Authorizations
§1:250 Hospital Authorizations
§1:260 Authorization for Lost Earnings
§1:270 Authorization for IRS Records
§1:280 No-fault Benefits Form
§1:281 Form: Request for No-fault
§1:282 Form: No-fault Application
§1:283 Form: No-fault File Authorization
§1:290 New York State Disability
§1:300 Workers’ Compensation Records
§1:310 Police Blotter
§1:320 Accident Report (MV-104)
§1:330 School Records
CHAPTER 2. CASE ACCEPTANCE: OVERVIEW
I. CASE SELECTION
§2:00 Criteria
§2:01 Business Principles
II. SUCCESSFUL CASE REQUIREMENT
§2:10 Acceptance Test
§2:20 Exception: Client Relationship
§2:30 Exception: Catastrophic Injuries
§2:40 [Reserved]
III. CASE ILLUSTRATION: CAR COLLIDES WITH STOPPED TRUCK
§2:50 Facts
§2:60 Analysis
IV. REJECTING THE CASE
§2:70 Self-protecting Correspondence
§2:71 Form: Self-protecting Rejection Letter (Option 1)
§2.72 Form: Self-protecting Rejection Letter (Option 2)
CHAPTER 3. LIABILITY
I. OVERVIEW
§3:00 Legal Merit
§3:10 Relevant Jury Instructions
§3:20 Standards of Conduct
II. DEFENDANT’S NEGLIGENT CONDUCT
A. COMMON LAW NEGLIGENCE
§3:30 Standard of Care
§3:31 PJI 2:10. Common Law Standard of Care — Negligence Defined
§3:40 Foreseeability
§3:41 PJI 2:12. Common Law Standard of Care — Foreseeability
§3:50 Case Illustration: Running Red Light
B. MOTOR VEHICLE STANDARDS
§3:60 Violating “Rules of the Road”
§3:61 PJI 2:26. Statutory Standard of Care — Vehicle and Traffic
Law Violation
§3:70 Motorist’s Duty of Care
§3:71 PJI 2:77. Duty Toward Other Motorists, In General
§3:72 Pattern Jury Instructions: Common Accidents
§3:72.10 PJI 2:78. Collision at Uncontrolled Intersection
§3:72.20 PJI 2:79. Collision at Intersection Controlled by Light or
Police Officer
§3:72.30 PJI 2:80. Collision at Intersection Controlled by Stop or
Yield Sign
§3:72.40 PJI 2:80A. Duty of Driver on Through Highway
§3:72.50 PJI 2:80B. Duties of Motorists Where Stop Sign Is Missing or
Obscured.
§3:72.60 PJI 2:81. Turning Across Traffic
§3:72.70 PJI 2:82. Close Following
§3:72.80 PJI 2:83. Sudden Stopping
§3:72.90 PJI 2:84. Skidding
§3:72.100 PJI 2:85. Car Leaving Road
§3:80 Altered Standards of Care
§3:81 Extenuating Circumstances
§3:82 PJI 2:14. Common Law Standard of Care — Emergency Situation
§3:83 Case Illustration: Child Crossing Mid-block Near School
§3:90 Speed Limits
§3:91 PJI 2:26. Vehicle and Traffic Law
Violations
§3:100 Duty of Maintenance
§3:101 PJI 2:86. Motorist’s Duty Re:
Maintenance
§3:102 PJI 2:86.1 Brakes
§3:110 Pedestrian Crossing Street
§3:120 Local Ordinances
§3:130 Vicarious Liability of Owner
§3:131 Responsibility for Driver’s Actions
§3:131.10 PJI 2:245. Vicarious Responsibility — Permission
§3:132 Restricting Driver’s Use of Vehicle
§3:132.10 PJI 2:246. Vicarious Responsibility — Limitation on Use
— Area, Purpose
§3:132.20 PJI 2:247. Vicarious Responsibility — Limitation on Use
— Persons in Vehicle
§3:132.30 PJI 2:248. Vicarious Responsibility — Limitation on Use
— Manner of Operation
§3:132.40 PJI 2:249. Vicarious Responsibility — Use or Operation
§3:132.50 PJI 2:250. Vicarious Responsibility — Contributory Fault
not Imputed
§3:132.60 PJI 2:251. Vicarious Responsibility — Keys Left in
Ignition
§3:140 Spouses
III. CAUSATION
§3:150 Proximate Cause
§3:151 Case Illustration: Drunk Driver Rear-ended
§3:152 Unlicensed Driver
§3:153 PJI 2:70: Proximate Cause
§3:160 Multiple Proximate Causes
§3:161 PJI 2:71. Proximate Cause — Concurrent Causes
§3:170-§3:190 [Reserved]
IV. COMPARATIVE NEGLIGENCE
§3:200 General Principles
§3:210 Raising and Litigating Issue
§3:211 PJI 2:36 (part). Comparative Negligence
§3:220 Apportioning Fault
§3:221 PJI 2:36. Apportionment
§3:230 Safety Belt Defense
§3:231 PJI 2:87.1 (part). Seatbelt
§3:240 Infant’s Comparative Negligence
§3:250 Mentally Deficient Plaintiff’s Comparative Negligence
§3:260 Intoxication
§3:270 Joint Contribution
§3:280 Social Host
§3:290 [Reserved]
V. BURDEN OF PROOF
§3:300 General principles
§3:310 PJI 1:60. Differing Burdens of Proof
§3:320 Reduced Burden: Death
§3:330 Reduced Burden: Amnesia
§3:340 [Reserved]
VI. FINAL DECISION
§3:350 Assessing Liability
CHAPTER 4. DAMAGES
I. Overview
§4:00 General Purpose
§4:01 PJI 2:277 (part). Damages — General
§4:10 Case Acceptance Criteria
§4:11 “Serious injury” Requirement of No-fault Law
§4:12 Past and Future Damages
§4:13 Case Acceptance Decision — “Minor” Injuries
§4:13.10 90/180-Day Disability
§4:13.11 Case Study: Client with Back or Neck Pain
§4:13.12 Case Study: Back Injury and Disc Herniation
§4:13.13 Temporal Mandibular Joint (TMJ)
§4:20 Acceptability/Profitability Standard
§4:30 Pain and Suffering
§4:31 PJI 2:280/280.1 — Personal Injury — Injury and Pain and
Suffering
§4:32 Valuation Left to Jury
§4:33 Awareness Required
§4:40 Causal Relationship
§4:41 Case Study: Heart Attack
§4:50 Aggravation and Activation of Injuries
§4:51 Asserting Claim
§4:52 Defense Tactics
§4:60 Aggravation
§4:61 Reduced Damages
§4:61.10 PJI 2:282 — Personal Injury — Aggravation of
Pre-Existing Injury
§4:62 Activation Defined
§4:62.10 Defendant’s Liability
§4:62.20 Damages Not Reduced
§4:62.30 Case Study: Hemophiliac Victim (“Eggshell Skull”
Rule)
§4:63 PJI 2:283. Precipitation or Activation of Latent Disease or
Condition
§4:70-4:90 [Reserved]
II. RESOURCES FOR EVALUATING INJURY VALUES
§4:100 New York Jury Verdict Reporter
§4:110 Other Sources
III. STRUCTURED JUDGMENTS
§4:120 Overview
§4:121 Background
§4:122 Operation
§4:130 Elements of Future Damages
§4:131 Collateral Sources
§4:140 Time Span of Periodic Payments
§4:150 Settlements
§4:160 Case Law
§4:170-4:190 [Reserved]
IV. CASE ACCEPTANCE DECISIONS
§4:200 Damages Rule of Thumb
CHAPTER 5. NEW YORK NO-FAULT LAW
I. OPERATION
§5:00 Overview
§5.01 Practical Perspective
§5:10 Policy and Objectives
§5:11 Constitutionality
§5:12 Four Categories of Loss
§5:12.10 Basic Economic Loss (First-party Benefits)
§5:12.20 Death Benefits
§5:12.30 Economic Damages Exceeding Basic Economic Loss
§5:12.40 Non-economic Losses
§5:13 History and Amendments
§5:20 Who is Covered
§5:30 “Use and Operation of a Motor Vehicle”
§5:40 Two-Track Recovery System
§5:41 Insurance Claim
§5:42 Civil Action
§5:43 Controlling Both Tracks
§5:50 Serious Injury Requirement
§5:51 Multi-part Definition
§5:52 Emotional Distress
§5:60 Nine Serious Injuries
§5:61 Death
§5:61.10 PJI 2:88D (part). Injury Resulting in Death of Injured Person
§5:62 Dismemberment
§5:62.10 No Specific Jury Instruction
§5:63 Significant Disfigurement
§5:63.10 PJI 2:88B (part). Significant Disfigurement or Dismemberment
§5:63.20 General Standards
§5:63.30 Specific Injuries
§5:63.31 Facial Scarring
§5:63.32 Scars Above Hairline
§5:63.33 Body Scars
§5:64 Fracture
§5:64.10 PJI 2:88C (part). Compound or Comminuted Fracture
§5:64:20 General Standards
§5:64.21 Specific Injuries
§5:65 Loss of Fetus
§5:65.10 Emotional Distress Damages
§5:66 Permanent Loss, Use of Body Organ, Member, Function or System
§5:66.10 PJI 2:88A (part). Injury to Body Organ, Member, Function or
System
§5:67 Permanent Consequential Limitation of Use of Body Organ or Member
§5:67.10 PJI 2:88A(part). Permanent Consequential Limitation of Use of
Body Organ or Member
§5:67.20 Injuries Not Qualifying
§5:67.30 Herniated Disc
§5:67.31 Bulging Disc
§5:67.32 Spinal Strains
§5:68 Significant Limitation of Use of Body Function or System
§5:68.10 PJI 2:88E (part). Significant Limitation of Use of Body
Function or System
§5:68.20 Specific Injuries
§5:69 Medically Determined Impairment
§5:69.10 Time Requirements
§5:69.20 Inability to Perform Activities
§5:69.30 Evidence
§5:70 Burden of Proof
§5:80- Summary Judgments for Threshold
§5:81 Four-prong Test
§5:82 Recent Decisions Dealing With Summary Judgment
§5:90 [Reserved]
II. ARBITRATION OF NO-FAULT BENEFITS
§5:100 Overview
§5:110 Procedure and Timing
§5:111 Department Review
§5:112 Arbitrators
§5:113 Preparing for Arbitration
§5:114 Medical Necessity
§5:115 Unsupported Basis for Denial
§5:115.10 Medical Necessity
§5:120 Appealing Lower Arbitrator’s Decision
§5:130 Appealing Master Arbitrator’s Decision
§5:140-190 [Reserved]
III. CARRIERS PLAYING HARDBALL
§5:200 Overview
§5:210 Computerized Claims Evaluation Systems
§5:211 How Computerized Claims Evaluation Systems Work
§5:211.10 Non-demonstrable Injuries
§5:211.20 Detailed Medical Reports
§5:211.30 Specialists’ Role in Evaluation
§5:212 What Computerized Claims Evaluation Systems Look For
§5:220 Form: Computerized Claims Evaluation Soft Tissue Worksheet
§5:230 Notes on Compiling “Pick List” Items
§5:240 Tips on Surviving the New Age
§5:250 Mild Impact Soft Tissue (MIST) Defense
§5:260 Why MIST Is Successful
CHAPTER 6. COVERAGE
I. MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT INDEMNIFICATION CORPORATION (MVAIC) INSURANCE LAW, ARTICLE
51
§6:00 Overview
§6:01 MVAIC Origin and Function
§6:02 MVAIC Covered Incidents
§6:03 Incidents Not Covered by MVAIC
§6:10 Determining Claim Responsibility
§6:20 “Serious Injury” and MVAIC
§6:30 Use, Operation and Occupancy
§6:40 Vehicles Covered
§6:50 Hit-and-run Autos
§6:60 Motorists Covered
§6:70 Notice of Claim — Timeliness
§6:80 Late Notice of Claim
§6:90 Procedure After Service of Notice
§6:100 Discovery Against MVAIC
§6:110 Limits of Coverage
§6:120 No-fault Coverage
II. Uninsured and Underinsured Coverage
§6:130 Overview
§6:131 Who is Covered
§6:132 Incidents Covered
§6:133 Use or Occupancy
§6:134 Vehicles Covered
§6:135 Disclaimer or Denial
§6:135.10 Cancellation and Notice
§6:136 Unknown and Hit-and-run Vehicles
§6:137 Physical Contact Required
§6:140 [Reserved]
III. REGULATION 35-D
§6:150 Introduction
§6:160 Summary of Regulation 35-D
§6:161 Offset or “Reduction of Coverage” Provision
§6:170 Trigger for SUM Benefits
§6:180 Filing Claim Under 35-D
§6:190 Carrier’s Disclaimer
§6:200 Consent to Settle
§6:210 Stacking
§6:220 Arbitration
§6:221 Petitions to Stay Arbitration
§6:221.10 Arbitration Involving Infant, Incompetent or Conservatee
§6:222 Conduct of Arbitration Proceeding
§6:222.10 Confirmation of Arbitration Award
§6:223 Form: AAA SUM Arbitration Request
§6:230 Litigation Option
§6:231 Language of Insurance Endorsement
§6:240 [Reserved]
IV. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
§6:250 Overview
§6:260 Negligent Entrustment
§6:270-6:290 [Reserved]
V. GENERAL COVERAGE CONSIDERATIONS
§6:300 Family Relationships
§6:310 Spouse
§6:320 Children
§6:330 Other Family Members
CHAPTER 7. COSTS, EXPENSES & FEE
AGREEMENTS
I. DISBURSEMENTS
§7:10 Allocation of Expenses
§7:11 No Set Rule
§7:12 Pretrial Expenses
§7:13 Trial Expenses
§7:14 Successful Case
§7:15 Unsuccessful Case
§7:20 Anticipated Disbursements
§7:21 Control Disbursement Expenses
II. ANTICIPATED TIME EXPENDITURES
§7:30 Overview
§7:40 Stages of Litigation
§7:41 Preliminary Negotiations
§7:42 Pleadings
§7:43 Discovery and Inspection
§7:44 Court-negotiated Settlement
§7:45 Trial
§7:50 Calculating Profitability
§7:51 Time Cost to Law Office
§7:52 Profitability by Stage of Litigation
§7:52.10 Stage One: Negotiation
§7:52.20 Stage Two: Pleadings
§7:52.30 Stage Three: Discovery and Inspection
§7:52.40 Stage Four: Court Settlements
§7:52.50 Stage Five: Trial
§7:53 Practical Suggestions
III. CONTINGENT FEE AGREEMENT
§7:60 Defined
§7:70 Advantages
§7:80 Fee Schedules
§7:90 Fee Calculation
§7:91 Determining Appropriate Schedule
§7:100 Application for Greater Compensation
§7:110 Alternative Payment Methods
§7:120-7:140 [Reserved]
IV. LEGAL FEES AND TAXES
§7:150 Structured Judgments
§7:160 Legal Forwarding Fees
§7:161 Time of Collection
CHAPTER 8. OPENING THE FILE
§8:00 Retainer Agreements
§8:01 Disbursements Deducted
§8:02 Form: Retainer Agreement
§8:03 Form: Withdrawal Letter
§8:10 Judicial Conference Retainer Statement
§8:11 Form: Judicial Conference Retainer Statement (Official Format)
§8.12 Form: Returned Statement Cover
§8:20 30-day Filing Limit
§8:30 Communicating with Clients
§8:31 Form: Client Letter — Retainer Filed
CHAPTER 9. COLLECTING CLIENT’S BENEFITS
§9:00 Overview
§9:10 Who Is Covered
§9:20 What Is Covered
§9:21 Workers’ Compensation Overlap
§9:30 Form: “Ascertainability” Letter
§9:40 No-fault Benefits
§9:41 Insurer’s Duties
§9:42 Evasion Tactics
§9:43 Independent Medical Examinations
§9:44 Arbitration
§9:44.10 Arbitration Considerations
§9:44.20 Suing Upon Denial
§9:45 Filing Arbitration
§9:45.10 Attorneys’ Fees in Arbitration
§9:45.11 Case Example
§9:45.20 Form: AAA No-fault Arbitration Request
CHAPTER 10. INVESTIGATION: OVERVIEW
& METHODS
I. PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION
§10:00 Generally
§10:10 Evaluation
§10:20 Settlement
§10:30 Trial
§10:40 [Reserved]
II. METHODS OF INVESTIGATION
§10:50 Introduction
§10:60 Checklists
§10:61 Form: Auto Liability Checklist
§10:70 Personal Investigation
§10:71 Interview
§10:72 Telephone
§10:73 On-site Inspection
§10:80 In-house Investigators
§10:90 Private Investigators
§10:100 Accident Reconstruction Specialists
§10:110-190 [Reserved]
III. LIMITS ON INVESTIGATION
§10:200 Code of Professional Responsibility
§10:201 Payment of Witnesses
§10:202 Talking to Press
§10:203 Client Contact with Adverse Party
CHAPTER 11. LIABILITY DOCUMENTATION
I. POLICE MATERIALS
§11:00 Generally
§11:10 Police Report
§11:11 How to Obtain
§11:12 Admissibility
§11:20 Accident Investigation Squad Material
§11:21 How to Obtain
§11:22 Admissibility
§11:30 DD1/Mechanical Reports
§11:31 How to Obtain
§11:32 Admissibility
§11:40 Summons or Conviction
§11:41 How to Obtain
§11:42 Admissibility
II. DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLE RECORDS
§11:50 Generally
§11:51 Form: Request for Copy of Accident Report — MV-198C
§11:60 Vehicle Registration
§11:61 How to Obtain
§11:62 Admissibility
§11:63 Form: Sample MV-15 Form
§11:70 Insurance Carrier Records
§11:71 How to Obtain
§11:72 Admissibility
§11:80 Driving Record/Applications
§11:81 How to Obtain
§11:82 Admissibility
§11:90 Accident Reports/ MV-104
§11:91 How to Obtain
§11:92 Admissibility
§11:93 Form: Sample MV-104
§11:100 [Reserved]
III. PHOTOGRAPHS & MISCELLANEOUS RECORDS
§11:110 Photographs
§11:111 How to Obtain
§11:112 Admissibility
§11:120 Topographical Maps
§11:121 How to Obtain
§11:122 Admissibility
§11:130 Weather Reports
§11:131 How to Obtain
§11:132 Admissibility
§11:140 Department of Traffic Plot Plans
§11:141 How to Obtain
§11:142 Admissibility
IV. WITNESS STATEMENTS
§11:150 Friendly Witnesses
§11:151 Content and Uses
§11:152 How to Obtain
§11:153 Admissibility
§11:160 Adverse Witness
§11:161 Content and Uses
§11:162 How to Obtain
§11:163 Admissibility
CHAPTER 12. MEDICAL DOCUMENTATION
I. OBTAINING MEDICAL DOCUMENTATION
§12:00 Purpose of Medical Investigation
§12:01 Case Acceptance
§12:02 Settlement
§12:03 Trial Preparation
II. SOURCES OF MEDICAL INFORMATION
A. HOSPITALS
§12:10 Emergency Room Records
§12:11 Content & Uses
§12:12 How to Obtain
§12:13 Admissibility
§12:14 Form: ER Report Request
§12:15 Form: Medical Record Release Authorization
§12:20 Ambulance Call Report
§12:21 Content & Uses
§12:22 How to Obtain
§12:23 Admissibility
§12:30 Hospital Admission Record
§12:31 Content & Uses
§12:32 How to Obtain
§12:33 Admissibility
§12:33.10 Histories
§12:34 Form: Admission Record Request
§12:40 Outpatient, Clinic and Special Department Records
§12:41 Content & Uses
§12:42 How to Obtain
§12:43 Admissibility
B. PHYSICIAN & THERAPIST RECORDS
§12:50 Narrative Medical Reports
§12:51 Content & Uses
§12:52 How to Obtain
§12:53 Admissibility
§12:53.10 Arbitration
§12:54 Form: Doctor’s Narrative Report Request
§12:55 Customized Narrative Report
§12:60 Office Records & Bills
§12:61 Content & Uses
§12:62 How to Obtain
§12:63 Admissibility
§12:64 Form: Doctor’s Office Records & Bills Request
§12:65 Form: Plaintiff Authorization to Release Records, Require Copies
C. PHOTOGRAPHS OF INJURIES AND TREATMENT
§12:70 Generally
§12:71 Content & Uses
§12:72 How to Obtain
§12:73 Admissibility
CHAPTER 13. ECONOMIC LOSS & SPECIAL
DAMAGES
I. LOST WAGES OR EARNINGS
§13:00 General Provisions
§13:10 Loss of Wages
§13:11 Form: Employee Records Access Authorization
§13:12 Form: Employee Earnings Request
§13:20 Loss of Future Earnings
§13:30 Self-employment
§13:40 Early Retirement
§13:50 Premature Sale of Asset
II. SPECIAL ECONOMIC CONDITIONS
§13:60 Non-reported Income
§13:70 Non-declared Income/Living Client
§13:80 Non-documented (Illegal) Aliens
§13:90 [Reserved]
III. WORKERS’ COMPENSATION
§13:100 Overview
§13:110 Employee Drivers
§13:120 Passenger Employees
§13:121 Vicarious Liability
§13:130 Consent Requirement
§13:140 Lien Reduction
§13:150 Scope of Employment
§13:160 Form: Workers’ Compensation Request — Plaintiff
§13:161 Form: Workers’ Compensation Request — Defense
IV. SOCIAL SECURITY AND DISABILITY
§13:170 Generally
§13:180 New York State Disability
§13:190 Social Security
V. OTHER
§13:200 School Records
§13:201 Form: School Records Request — Plaintiff
§13:210 Vocational Assessments
VI. DOCUMENTATION OF SPECIAL DAMAGES
§13:220 Obtaining Medical Bills
§13:230 Lost Job Opportunity
§13:240 Documenting Bills for Drugs and Prosthetics
§13:250 Carfare and Miscellaneous Losses
§13:260 Day Care and Home Care Expenses
CHAPTER 14. SETTLEMENT NEGOTIATIONS
I. OVERVIEW
§14:00 Generally
§14:10 Initial Negotiations
§14:20 Limited Policy Limits
§14:21 Pre-settlement Checklist
§14:30 Bluffing
§14:40 Defense’s Posture
II. PRACTICAL APPROACHES TO SETTLEMENT
§14:50 Early Settlement Potential
§14:51 Secondary Defendant Contribution
§14:51.10 Form: Defendant Contact Letter
§14:60 Establishing Reserves
§14:70 Demand Letter
§14:71 Form: Demand Cover Letter
§14:72 Form: Restrictive Authorization
§14:80 Case Evaluation
III. SETTLEMENT STRATEGIES
§14:90 Overview
§14:100 Typical Scenario and Technique
§14:110 Problematic Scenarios and Techniques
§14:120-§14:140 [Reserved]
IV. BAD FAITH
§14:150 Overview
§14:160 Case Illustration: Bad Faith Negotiations
§14:170 Inadequate Single Limit Policy / Multiple Claimants
§14:180 Form: Bad Faith Letter to Claims Adjuster
§14:190 Form: Single Limit Bad Faith Letter to Adjuster
CHAPTER 15. PLEADINGS
I. SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT
§15:00 Introduction
§15:10 Jurisdiction
§15:11 New York State Supreme Court
§15:12 New York City Civil Court
§15:12.10 CPLR §325(d) Transfers
§15:12.20 CPLR §325(c) Transfers
§15:20 Venue
§15:21 Exceptions
§15:21.10 Municipalities
§15:30 Drafting Requirements
§15:31 Parties
§15:32 Accident Location
§15:33 Numbered Allegations
§15:34 Verification
§15:34.10 Form: Individual Verification
§15:35 Attorney’s Verification
§15:35.10 Form: Attorney Verification
§15:36 Specific Allegations
§15:36.10 Jurisdictional Allegations
§15:36.20 Conditions Precedent
§15:36.30 Operation and Control
§15:36.40 Permissive Use
§15:36.50 Contact
§15:36.60 Negligence
§15:36.70 Contributory Negligence
§15:36.80 No-fault and Serious Injury Allegation
§15:36.90 CPLR §1602 Allegation
§15:36.100 Derivative Claims
§15:36.110 Property Damage
§15:36.120 Ad Damnum Clause
§15:40 Service
§15:41 Index Number
§15:42 Filing
§15:43 Methods of Service
§15:43.10 Personal Service
§15:43.20 Person of Suitable Age and Discretion
§15:43.30 “Nail and Mail” Service
§15:43.40 Out-of-state Driver
§15:43.50 Infants, Incompetent Persons, Partnerships & Corporations
§15:43.60 Publication
§15:43.70 Substituted Service
§15:44 Affidavit of Service
§15:45 Statute of Limitations
§15:46 Amendments to Pleadings
§15:50 Form: Summons
§15:60 Form: Complaint #1
§15:70 Form: Complaint #2
§15:80-15:90 [Reserved]
II. ANSWER
§15:100 Generally
§15:110 Notice of Appearance
§15:120 Joinder Date of Issue
§15:130 Scope of Answer
§15:131 Form of Answer
§15:132 Admissions
§15:133 Denials
§15:134 Lacking Information to Answer
§15:140 Time to Answer
§15:141 Extensions of Time to Answer
§15:141.10 Stipulation to Extend Time
§15:141.20 Conditional Stipulations
§15:150 Affirmative Defenses
§15:151 Lack of Jurisdiction
§15:152 Culpable Conduct
§15:153 No-fault Threshold
§15:154 Statute of Limitations
§15:155 Seatbelts
§15:156 Pleading CPLR §1602 Exemptions
§15:157 Collateral Source Rule
§15:158 Emergency Situation / Sudden Brake Failure
§15:159 Withdrawal of Affirmative Defense
§15:159.10 Form: Letter to Withdraw
§15:159.20 Form: Stipulation to Withdraw
§15:160 Marking and Evaluation of Answer
§15:161 Denies Knowledge or Information (DKI)
§15:162 Ownership
§15:163 Permissive Use
§15:164 Contact
§15:165 General Concepts
§15:170 Amendment to Answer
§15:171 Timeliness
§15:180 Form: Answer
§15:190 [Reserved]
III. DEFAULT JUDGMENTS
§15:200 Generally
§15:210 Letter to Defendant
§15:211 Form: Default Letter to Defendant
§15:220 Letter to Insurance Company
§15:221 Form: Default Letter to Insurance Carrier
§15:230 Default
§15:231 Form: Motion for Default
§15:240 [Reserved]
IV. BILL OF PARTICULARS
A. OVERVIEW
§15:250 Scope and Purpose
§15:251 Tactical Function
B. DEFENDANT’S DEMANDS IN AUTOMOBILE CASE
§15:260 Scope of Demands
§15:270 Form: Demand for Bill Of Particulars
C. PLAINTIFF’S RESPONSE TO DEMANDS
§15:280 Timing to Respond to Demand
§15:285 Specificity of Responses
§15:290 Verification of Response
§15:291 Form: Verification of Response
D. PLAINTIFF’S DEMANDS: AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSES
§15:300 Culpable Conduct
§15:301 Form: Plaintiff’s Demand Re: Culpable Conduct
§15:310 Seatbelt Defense
§15:311 Form: Plaintiff’s Demand Re: Seatbelt Defense
CHAPTER 16. DISCOVERY
I. INFORMAL DISCOVERY
§16:00 Introduction
§16:10 Accident Facts
§16:11 Fact Witnesses
§16:12 Talking to the Defendant
§16:20 Expert Testimony
§16:30 Investigating Defendant’s Expert
§16:31 Prior Testimony and Articles
§16:32 Professional Organizations and Associations
§16:40 Source Material
§16:41 The Lawyers Desk Reference
§16:42 Governmental Sources
§16:42.10 Department of Transportation
§16:42.20 Form: Freedom of Information Law Request
§16:43 Private Industry and Labor
§16:44 Lawyers
§16:45 Experts
§16:46 Non-professional Experts
§16:47 New York State Trial Lawyer’s Association
§16:48 Association of Trial Lawyers of America
§16:49 Texas Trial Lawyers Association
II. FORMAL DISCOVERY
A. DEFENDANT’S DEMANDS
§16:50 Typical Demands
§16:51 Form: Defendant’s Combined Demands
§16:60 Categories of Demands
§16:61 Demand for Witnesses
§16:62 Demand for Statements
§16:63 Demand for Photographs
§16:64 Demand for Physical Examination
§16:65 Demand for Authorizations and Medical Records
§16:66 Demand for Names of Medical Providers
§16:67 Demand for Expert Information
§16:68 Demand for Employment Authorizations
§16:69 Demand for Sources of Collateral Payment
§16:69.10 Demand for Workers’ Compensation & No-fault
Authorizations
§16:70 Demand for School Authorizations
§16:71 Demand for Income Tax Returns
§16:80 Evaluating Demands
§16:90 Protective Motions and Orders
§16:100 Supervision of Discovery
§16:101 Preliminary Conference
§16:102 Form: Request for Judicial Intervention
§16:110 Expert Disclosure Under §3101
§16:111 Sample Expert Disclosures
§16:111.10 Form: Disclosure for Economist with Training in
Competitiveness in Labor Market
§16:111.20 Form: Disclosure for Treating Neurosurgeon
§16:111.30 Form: Disclosure for Chiropractor
§16:111.40 Form: Disclosure for Biomechanical Engineer
§16:111.50 Form: Disclosure for Accident Reconstructionist
§16:111.60 Form: Disclosure for Accident Reconstructionist (Alternate)
§16:111.70 Form: Disclosure for Profession Engineer-Accident
Reconstructionist
§16:120 Scope of Prior Medical Discovery
§16:130 Scope of Prior Accident Discovery
§16:140 Independent Medical Examination
B. PLAINTIFF’S DISCOVERY DEMANDS
§16:150 Combined Demand
§16:151 Form: Plaintiff’s Demands for Discovery
§16:160 Insurance Coverage
§16:170 Accident Reports
§16:180 Business Records
§16:190 Photographs
§16:200 Repair Reports
§16:210 Statements of Parties
§16:220 Witnesses
§16:230 Experts
§16:240 Surveillance Films
§16:250 Defendant’s Medical Information
C. NOTICES TO ADMIT
§16:260 Overview
§16:270 Timetables
§16:280 Subject of Notice to Admit
§16:290 Effect of Admission
§16:300 Penalties for Failure to Admit
§16:310 Example Notice to Admit
§16:311 Form: Notice to Admit
§16:320-16:340 [Reserved]
D. INTERROGATORIES
§16:350 Overview
§16:360 Interrogatories for Vehicle Owner
§16:370-390 [Reserved]
E. RESPONDING TO DEMANDS
§16:400 Response to Defense Omnibus Discovery Demands
§16:410-440 [Reserved]
§16:450 Timing of Supplementation of Plaintiff’s Responses
§16:451 Third Judicial District Rule
§16:452 Kassis v. Teacher’s Insurance & Annuity Association
CHAPTER 17. PRE-TRIAL CONFERENCES
§17:00 Overview
§17:10 Controlling Law
§17:20 Players
§17:21 Judge
§17:21.10 Narrowing Issues
§17:21.20 Attempting Settlement
§17:22 Opposing Counsel
§17:23 Carrier
§17:24 Client
§17:30 Who Should Attend
§17:40 Form: Notice of Pre-trial Conference
§17:50 Form: Plaintiff’s Response to Notice of Pre-trial
Conference
CHAPTER 18. DEPOSITIONS
I. PURPOSE & GOALS
§18:00 Overview
§18:01 Assessing the Opposition
§18:02 Narrowing the Issues
§18:03 Fully Exploring Issues
§18:04 Getting Facts “Locked In”
II. NOTICING DEPOSITION
§18:10 Example Fact Pattern
§18:20 Rules for Notice
§18:21 Form: Notice of Deposition
§18:30 Order of Witnesses
§18:31 Form: Request for Order to Reduce Number of Days
Notice for Deposition
§18:40 Location of Depositions
§18:50 Adjournments
§18:60 Court-ordered Depositions
§18:61 Form: Motion to Compel Deposition
§18:62 Contempt Remedy
III. PREPARATION OF WITNESSES
§18:70 Attorney and Client Preparation
§18:71 Medical Review
§18:71.10 Prior Injuries
§18:71.20 Derogatory Remarks
§18:72 Accident Scene
§18:73 Document Review
§18:74 Carrier Tactics
§18:74.10 Special Investigative Units
§18:74.20 Surveillance
§18:74.21 Stay of Disclosure or Deposition
§18:74.22 Sanctions
§18:74.23 Form: Motion for Protective Order
§18:75 False Testimony
§18:80 Basic Client Deposition Checklist
§18:90 Derivative Claim / Consortium
§18:91 Questions for Spouse
§18:91.10 Sex and Intimacy
§18:91.20 Sample Line of Defense Questions - Back Injury
IV. SCOPE OF QUESTIONING
§18:100 Usual Stipulations
§18:110 Improper/Objectionable Questions
§18:120 General Question Checklist
§18:130 Employment Question Checklist
§18:140 Education Question Checklist
§18:150 “Sudden Stop” Question Checklist
§18:160 “Statements” Question Checklist
§18:170-18:190 [Reserved]
V. NON-PARTY DEPOSITIONS
§18:200 Generally
§18:210 Whether to Depose
§18:211 Deposing Experts
§18:220 Subpoena
§18:230 Case Study
§18:240 Non-party Witness Sample Questions
§18:250-290 [Reserved]
VI. POST-DEPOSITION REVIEW
§18:300 Transcript Review
§18:301 Form: Letter Accompanying Deposition Transcript (to Defense
Counsel)
§18:302 Form: Letter Accompanying Deposition Transcript (to Client)
CHAPTER 19. PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS
I. OVERVIEW
§19:00 Right to Examination
§19:10 Confidentiality Privileges and Waiver
§19:11 Defendant’s Condition
§19:12 Allegation of Drinking
§19:20 Legal and Contractual Obligations
§19:21 Municipal Authorities
§19:22 HIV-related Information
§§19:30 -19:40 [Reserved]
II. NO-FAULT PHYSICALS
§19:50 Authority for Examination
§19:60 Scope of Examination
§19:70 Non-Compliance with Request for Exam
§19:80 Effect of Findings
§19:90 Form of Denial
§19:100 Contesting Denial
§19:101 Written Complaint
§19:102 Arbitration
§19:103 Separate Lawsuit
§19:110 Effect of Denial on Other Requirements
§19:120 Examining Physician’s Responsibilities
§§19:130-19:140 [Reserved]
III. DEFENDANT’S TORT PHYSICAL
A. AUTHORITY FOR EXAMINATION
§19:150 CPLR §3121
B. PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING EXAMINATION
§19:160 Notice for Physical Examination
§19:161 Municipalities
§19:162 Form: Notice for Physical Exam
§19:163 Form: Demand for Independent Medical Examination
§19:170 Notice of Availability
§19:180 Judicial Intervention
§19:190 [Reserved]
C. PURPOSE OF EXAMINATION
§19:200 Generally
§19:210 Limitations on Plaintiff
D. WHO CAN BE EXAMINED
§19:220 Party
§19:230 Agent
§19:240 Non-Party
E. WHO MAY EXAMINE
§19:250 Physicians
§19:260 Occupational Therapists
§19:270 Technicians
§19:280-19:290 [Reserved]
F. SCOPE OF EXAMINATIONS
§19:300 Generally
§19:310 Unlimited Exams Permitted
§19:320 Follow-up Exams Permitted
§19:330 Non-invasive Tests Only
§19:340 [Reserved]
G. NO PRECLUSION BY OTHER EXAMS
§19:350 Statutory Pre-litigation Examinations
§19:360 Voluntary Settlement Examinations
§19:370 No-fault Examinations
§19:380-19:390 [Reserved]
H. TIMING OF EXAMINATION
§19:400 Notice of Availability
§19:410 Pre-calendar Conference
§19:420 Post Note of Issue
§19:430 Post Calendar
§19:440 Opposing Late Exam
I. GROUNDS FOR FURTHER EXAMINATIONS
§19:450 Supplemental Exam on Eve of Trial
§19:460 New Physical: Amended Bill of Particulars
§19:470 Other Reasons for New Physical
§19:480-19:490 [Reserved]
J. LOCATION OF EXAM
§19:500 Doctor’s Office
§19:510 County of Choice
§19:520 Out-of-state Plaintiffs
§19:530-19:540 [Reserved]
K. PRESENCE OF COUNSEL
§19:550 Generally
§19:560 Court Reporters
§19:570 Audiotaping
§19:580 Videotaping
§19:590 [Reserved]
L. SANCTIONS
§19:600 Generally
§19:610 Failure to Appear
§19:611 Willful, Contumacious or Bad Faith
§19:620 Failure to Provide Medical Documentation
§19:630-19:640 [Reserved]
M. OBJECTING TO DEFENDANT’S PHYSICIANS
§19:650 Generally
CHAPTER 20. STANDARDS OF CARE FOR
MOTORISTS
I. OWNERSHIP — FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
§20:00 General Provisions
§20:10 Permissive Use
§20:11 Test Drives
§20:12 Employee Restrictions
§20:13 Stolen Car
§20:20 Truckers Endorsement
§20:30 Negligent Entrustment
§20:31 Parent of Unlicensed Child
§20:32 Seller to Unlicensed Driver
§20:33 Negligent Hiring
§20:34 Homeowners Policy Exclusions
§20:35 General Business Liability Policy Exclusions
§20:36 Rental Vehicles
§20:37 Leased Vehicles
§20:38 Livery and Taxi Companies
§20:40 [Reserved]
II. MAINTENANCE
A. OVERVIEW
§20:50 Generally
§20:60 Duty to Passengers
§20:61 “Guest-host” Statutes
§20:70 Duty to Other Motorists
§20:80-90 [Reserved]
B. BRAKES
§20:100 Generally
§20:110 “Sudden and Unanticipated”
§20:120 Reasonable Efforts to Maintain Vehicle
§20:130 Proximate Cause of Event
§20:140 Burden of Proving Defective
§20:150 Emergency Doctrine
§20:160-190 [Reserved]
C. LIGHTS
§20:200 Generally
§20:210 Duty to Maintain Lights
§20:220 “Sudden and Unanticipated”
§20:230 Reasonable Efforts to Maintain Vehicle
§20:240 Proximate Cause of Event
§20:250 Emergency Doctrine
D. OTHER MECHANICAL FAILURES
§20:260 Generally
§20:270 Impediment to Flow of Traffic
§20:280 Causing Loss of Vehicle Control
§20:290 Other Claims
E. SAFETY BELTS
§20:300 Generally
§20:310 Statutory Mandate to Use
§20:311 Affects Damages Only
§20:320 Failure to Provide
§20:330-340 [Reserved]
F. THIRD-PARTY DEFENDANTS
§20:350 Manufacturers
§20:351 Case Studies
§20:360 Service Stations
§20:370-390 [Reserved]
III. OPERATION AND CONTROL
A. DRIVER/OPERATOR RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES
§20:400 General Provisions
§20:410 Duty To Avoid Contact
§20:411 Establishing Rebuttable Negligence
§20:412 Pleadings and Proof
§20:413 Evidence of Speed and Direction
§20:414 Uninsured Motorist Claims
§20:420 Duty to See
§20:421 Helping Clients Explain What They Saw
§20:422 Inattention
§20:423 Weather Affects Ability, Not Duty
§20:424 Night Driving Conditions
§20:430 Posted Speed Limit
§20:440 Turns
§20:441 Left-hand Turns
§20:442 Wide Turns
§20:450 Safe Distance Between Cars
§20:451 Potential Defenses
§20:451.10 Stopping Short
§20:451.20 Brake Failure
§20:451.30 Unexpected Hazard
§20:451.40 Unavoidable Accidents
§20:452 Summary Judgment
§20:460 Assuming Compliance by Others
§20:470 One-Car Accidents
§20:480 Driver Defenses
§20:481 Weather Conditions
§20:481.10 Ice
§20:481.20 Fog and Rain
§20:482 Road Condition
§20:482.10 Design and Surfaces
§20:482.20 Drainage
§20:483 Signage Deficiencies
§20:490 Towing Operations
B. PASSENGER RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES
§20:500 Remedies
§20:510 Contributory Negligence
§20:520 Interference
§20:530 Riding with Intoxicated Drivers
§20:540 Duties Regarding Operation
§20:550 Preclusions
§20:551 Insurance Exemptions
§20:552 Criminal Behavior
§20:560-590 [Reserved]
C. THIRD-PARTY RESPONSIBILITY
§20:600 Defective Vehicles
§20:610 Dram Shop Actions
CHAPTER 21. TRIAL PREPARATION
I. TRIAL NOTEBOOK
§21:00 Introduction
§21:10 Contents of Trial Notebook
§21:20 “To Do” List
§21:30 Pleadings
§21:40 Exhibits
§21:41 Form: Exhibit/Witness List
§21:50 Voir Dire
§21:60 Opening Statement
§21:70 Plaintiff’s Witness List
§21:80 Witnesses - Questions
§21:90 Defendant’s Proposed Witnesses
§21:100 Depositions
§21:110 Trial Briefs
§21:111 Form: Memorandum on Missing Witness Charge
§21:120 Closing Argument
§21:130 Jury Instructions
§21:131 Form: Non-Pattern Jury Instruction Request — Aggravation
§21:140 Post-Trial Motions
§21:150 [Reserved]
II. PRE-TRIAL TACTICS & MOTIONS
§21:160 Bifurcation
§21:161 Form: Notice of Motion for Bifurcation
§21:162 Form: Affirmation Supporting Motion for Bifurcation
§21:163 Damages before Liability Resolved
§21:164 Form: Plaintiff’s Cross Notice of Motion to Bifurcate
§21:165 Form: Plaintiff’s Attorney Affidavit to Bifurcate and in
Support of Motion for Immediate Trial on Damages
§21:170 Motion in Limine
§21:171 Form: Notice of Motion in Limine
§21:172 Form: Affidavit in Support of Motion in Limine — Medicals
§21:173 Form: Affidavit in Support of Motion in Limine — Wages
§21:180 Motion for Sanctions for Spoliation
§ 21:181 Form: Memorandum for Spoliation
CHAPTER 22. TRIAL
I. INTRODUCTION
§22:00 Art of Persuasion
§22:10 Example Fact Pattern
§22:20 [Reserved]
II. VOIR DIRE
§22:30 Overview
§22:31 Jurors to Avoid
§22:32 Jurors Tending to Favor Plaintiff
§22:40 Structuring Your Case
§22:41 Questions Eliciting Information
§22:41.10 Collateral Inquiries
§22:41.11 Sample Questions
§22:42 Preparing for Contrast in Evidence
§22:43 Getting Jury to Relate to Client
§22:50 Addressing Case Problems through Voir Dire
§22:51 Preemptive Strikes
§22:51.10 Failure to Use Seatbelt
§22:51.11 Unpopular Defense
§22:51.12 Attack on Causal Relationship
§22:51.13 Reasonableness
§22:51.20 Comparative Negligence
§22:51.30 Pre-existing Medical Condition
§22:51.31 Example Questions
§22:51.40 Alcohol Consumption
III. OPENING STATEMENTS
§22:60 Overview: Purpose & Strategy
§22:70 Theme
§22:80 Strengths of Case
§22:90 Addressing Plaintiff Weaknesses, Opponent’s Strength
§22:100 Getting Jury’s Attention
§22:110 Model Opening Statement
§22:120 Right to Make Opening Statement
§22:130 Dismissal After Opening Statements
§22:140 Requesting Transcription
§22:150 Use of Props
IV. PLAINTIFF’S CASE — WITNESSES
§22:160 Experts
§22:170 Fact Witnesses
§22:180 Selection of Witnesses
§22:181 Medical Doctor
§22:182 Accident Reconstructionist
§22:183 Economists
§22:184 Plaintiff
§22:185 Plaintiff’s Spouse
§22:186 Injury Witnesses
§22:187 Scene Witnesses
§22:188 Eyewitnesses
§22:189 Defendant as Plaintiff Witness
§22:190 Order of Witnesses
§22:200 [Reserved]
V. PLAINTIFF’S CASE — EXHIBITS
§22:210 Overview
§22:220 Records
§22:230 Demonstrative Evidence
§22:231 High-tech Demonstrative Evidence
§22:232 Commonly Used Demonstrative Evidence
§22:232.10 Medical Injuries
§22:232.20 Photographs and Videotapes
§22:232.30 Timelines
§22:232.31 Sample Timeline
§22:240 Witnesses and Exhibits
§22:241 Lay Witnesses
§22:242 Expert Witnesses
§22:242.10 Example Questioning to Qualify
§22:242.20 Qualifying the Medical Expert
§22:242.30 Handling the Curriculum Vitae
§22.243 Distinctions between State and Federal Court
§22.243.10 Experts in Federal Court
VI. ADDRESSING DEFENDANT’S CASE
§22:250 Overview
§22:260 Defendant
§22:270 Other Potential Witnesses
§22:271 Cross-examination of IME Doctor
§22:271.10 Bias
§22:271.11 Example Cross-examination
§22:271.20 Opportunity to Observe
§22:271.21 Example Cross-examination
§22:280 Countering Defense Tactics: The Low Impact Defense
§ 22:281 The Problem
§ 22:282 The Defense Formula
§ 22:283 Step One, Calculate the Delta-V Factor
§ 22:284 Five Studies of Delta-V or G-Force Effects on Humans
§ 22:285 Experts Can Miscalculate the Delta-V Force
§22.290 Attacking Defense Experts: The Low Impact Defense
§ 22.291 What Program Did They Use to Calculate Delta-V Forces?
§ 22.292 Were the Test Studies Properly Applied?
§ 22.293 Low Number of Test Subjects
§ 22.294 Different Physical Characteristics of the Plaintiff
§ 22.295 Doing Staged Tests
§ 22.296 Different Prior Medical Conditions
§ 22.297 Different Head Position
§ 22.298 Head to Headrest Gaps
§ 22.299 Defeating the Defense Reconstruction Engineers
VII. LAW OF SUMMATION
§22:300 Overview
§22:310 Breadth of Closing Argument
§22:320 Summation Pitfalls to Avoid
§22:330 Mention of Insurance
§22:331 Case Support
§22:340 “Mary Carter” Agreements
§22:341 Defined
§22:350 Plaintiff’s Theory
§22:360 Closing Opened Door
§22:370 Reading Pleadings to Jury
§22:380 Standard of Review
§22:390 Denny v. Ford Motor Co. Summation
§22:400 Psychology of Final Argument
§22:401 Jury’s Perception
§22:402 The ‘Real’ Closing Argument
§22:410 Model Closing Argument
§22:420 Summation Post Mortem
§22:421 Call to One’s Oath, Promise and Rules
§22:422 Framing the Issue
§22:423 “Arming” Favorable Jurors
§22:424 Sympathy Argument
§22:424.10 One Day in Court
§22:430-§22:440 [Reserved]
VIII. JURY INSTRUCTIONS
§22:450 Submitting Jury Instructions
§22:460-490 [Reserved]
IX. DELIBERATIONS
§22:500 High-Low Agreements
§22:501 Form: Sample High-Low Agreement
CHAPTER 23. CLOSING PAPERS, COMPROMISES
& COLLECTIONS
I. CLOSING PAPERS
§23:00 Settlement
§23:10 General Release
§23:11 Form: General Release
§23:12 Form: State Settlement
§23:20 Stipulation of Discontinuance
§23:21 Form: Stipulation of Discontinuance
§23:30 Liens
§23:31 Workers’ Compensation
§23:32 Permission to Settle
§23:32.10 In Excess of No-fault
§23:33 Kelly Formula
§23:33.10 Example Kelly Calculation
§23:33.20 Form: Workers’ Compensation Release from Future
Attorneys’ Fees
§23:33.30 Kelly Calculations for Future Benefits
§23:34 Welfare and Social Services
§23:35 Health Care and Medical Services Providers
§23:36 Supplemental Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
§23:40 Supplemental Un/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (SUM)
§23:41 Form: SUM Settlement Notification Letter
§23:50 No-fault Issues
II. COURT REQUIRED COMPROMISES
§23:60 Infant Settlements
§23:61 Structured Infant Settlements
§23:62 Form: Release for Infant Settlement
§23:63 Form: Infant Client Acknowledgement Release (14 and older)
§23:64 Form: Infant Settlement / Lump Sum
§23:65 Form: Infant Settlement / Structured
§23:66 Form: Attorney Affidavit / Fee Arrangement
§23:70 Wrongful Death
§23:71 State Tax Commission Approval
§23:72 Form: Petition for Wrongful Death
§23:73 Form: Order for Wrongful Death
§23:80 Structured Settlements
§23:81 Form: Structured Settlement Agreement
§23:90 Supplemental Needs Trusts
§23:95 Collateral Sources
§23:95.10 Comparative Fault Reductions
§23:95.20 Arguments to Defeat a Collateral Source Reduction
III. COLLECTIONS
§23:100 Transmittal of Papers
§23:101 Form: Settlement Letter to Defendant
§23:102 Form: Affirmation In Support of Motion for Judgment
§23:103 Form: Judgment for Prompt Payment Following Settlement
CHAPTER 24. SPECIAL CASES
§24:00 Overview
§24:10 Pedestrian Cases
§24:11 Crosswalks
§24:12 Middle of Block
§24:13 Persons Under Disability/Children
§24:13.10 Intoxication
§24:13.11 PJI 2:45. Persons Under Disability — Intoxicated Person
§24:13.20 Mental Disability
§24:13.21 PJI 2:46. Persons Under Disability — Mental Deficiency
§24:13.30 Aged or Physically Disabled
§24:13.31 PJI 2:47. Persons Under Disability — Aged or Physically
Disabled
§24:14 Shoulder of Roadway
§24:14.10 Obstructing Vehicle in Roadway
§24:15 Sidewalks/Walking in Roadway
§24:16 Driveways
§24:20 Bicyclists and Rollerbladers
§24:21 Field of Vision
§24:30 Safety Belts and Firefighters Rule
§24:40 Motorcycles
§24:41 Mopeds
§24:50 Intersection Accidents
§24:60 Missing or Obstructed Stop Sign
§24:61 Municipal Liability
§24:62 Municipal Article 16 Reductions
§24:70 Skidding
§24:80 Emergency Doctrine
§24:90 Accidents with Emergency Vehicles |
