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Case Law Alerts

New York Appellate Division Overturns Summary Judgment Against Defendant in Collision But Affirms Dismissal of Affirmative Defenses of Comparative Negligence Against Plaintiff

Houston v. McQuiller, 232 A.D.3d 732 (2d Dept. Nov. 13, 2024)

January 1, 2025

In a matter illustrating the importance of having a defendant/driver’s affidavit that properly articulates an absolute defense to liability in opposing summary judgment, the defendant trucking company and its driver appealed summary judgment, which had been in favor of the plaintiff and the co-defendant driver against the trucking defendants in a side-swipe collision. 

The appellate court focused on defendant/Rosario’s affidavit, stating he activated his turn signal prior to attempting a lane change, utilized his mirrors, and saw no vehicles prior to attempting to change lanes. 

The court found this met the defendants’ burden to establish a triable issue of fact and precluded summary judgment against the trucking defendants.  

 

Case Law Alerts, 1st Quarter, January 2025 is prepared by Marshall Dennehey to provide information on recent developments of interest to our readers. This publication is not intended to provide legal advice for a specific situation or to create an attorney-client relationship. Copyright © 2024 Marshall Dennehey, all rights reserved. This article may not be reprinted without the express written permission of our firm.

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CLM 2026 Focus Conference

Allison joins three insurance industry leaders to discuss how cyber coverage disputes, the growing impact of social inflation on bodily injury claim valuation, and the use of artificial intelligence are reshaping the bad faith landscape. The panel will examine emerging sources of extra-contractual exposure, including evolving cyber insurance coverage issues and the challenges of accurately valuing bodily injury claims. Practical approaches to claim evaluation using AI, along with defense strategies designed to help prevent or successfully defend against bad faith litigation, will also be addressed. 

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New Jersey Appellate Division Affirms Recreational Immunity for County Under Landowners' Liability Act

In a recent unpublished decision in Matthew Kuzma, etc. v. Middlesex County Parks Department, et al., the New Jersey Appellate Division affirmed summary judgment in favor of Middlesex County Parks Department, holding that the county was immune from liability under New Jersey's Landowners' Liability Act (LLA), notwithstanding its failure to plead the immunity as an affirmative defense in its answer to the Complaint. The case arose from injuries sustained by fourteen-year-old plaintiff, Matthew Kuzma, while playing basketball at Spring Lake Park in South Plainfield on August 23, 2019. The plaintiff observed a crack in the basketball court before beginning to play but did not consider it dangerous. During the game, his foot became caught in the crack, causing him to fall and suffer a significant ankle injury. The plaintiff alleged that the injury resulted in ongoing physical limitations and deprived him of the opportunity to play collegiate basketball. The plaintiff filed suit alleging that the defendants negligently maintained the basketball court. Although the county did not assert LLA immunity as an affirmative defense in its answers, it later moved for summary judgment on that basis. The plaintiff opposed the motion, arguing that the county had waived the defense by failing to plead it. The county maintained that the plaintiff had received sufficient notice of its intent to rely on the LLA through discovery and therefore suffered no unfair surprise or prejudice. The trial court agreed and granted summary judgment, concluding that the county should be permitted to invoke statutory immunity notwithstanding its failure to formally plead the defense. Relying heavily on the New Jersey Supreme Court's guidance in Arias v. Cnty. of Bergen, holding a county park was subject to the immunity of the LLA, the Appellate Division affirmed, holding that the county's failure to plead LLA immunity did not preclude reliance on the defense under the circumstances presented. The court determined that the plaintiff had received adequate notice of the immunity claim through discovery and that permitting the defense furthered the public-policy objectives embodied in the LLA. In affirming dismissal, the Appellate Division acknowledged the seriousness of the plaintiff's injury and the general societal interest in maintaining parks and recreational facilities in a safe condition. However, the court emphasized that both the legislature and the New Jersey Supreme Court have expressed a clear policy choice to limit liability for public and private landowners who make recreational property available for public use. The decision reinforces the courts' continuing adherence to the Landowners' Liability Act and the principle that recreational lands and facilities should be broadly protected from liability exposure, even in cases involving significant personal injuries.

Complete Victory Obtained in a Workers’ Compensation Matter

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State Of Insurance: Q3 Notes From Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania courts issued several noteworthy insurance coverage decisions in Q3 2026, offering guidance on public policy defenses, commercial umbrella coverage, and privilege disputes in bad faith litigation. Todd's article reviews three key cases and their implications for insurers, policyholders, and coverage counsel, highlighting the continued importance of precise policy language, disciplined claims handling, and thorough documentation.

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Documentation as a Defense: Protecting Against Legal Malpractice Claims

Legal malpractice claims often arise years after the events in question, when memories have faded and key details may be difficult to recall. In those moments, thorough documentation and well-maintained files can become an attorney’s strongest defense. Read Megan's article on the PLUS Blog: Documentation as a Defense: Protecting Against Legal Malpractice Claims - PLUS

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