CIVIL VERDICTS - PREMISES LIABILITY * Estate of Joan DeMarco v. The Marquis - Decedent business tenant of apartment/office complex owner murdered by former employee of defendant in violent assault during office burglary. Plaintiff's estate alleged negligent security theory of liability against defendant. Settlement negotiated with responsible insurance company in excess of One Million Two Hundred Thousand ($1,200,000.00) Dollars prior to trial. * Khaled Bakar v. Home Properties, Inc. - Plaintiff was standing on third floor balcony of friend's apartment owned by defendant, when the floor suddenly collapsed causing plaintiff to fall to ground. Plaintiff sustained fractured ribs, non-displaced tibia fracture and herniated disc, which was treated with physical therapy and multiple epidural injections. Montgomery County jury returned a verdict in the amount of Seven Hundred and Sixty Nine Thousand ($769,000.00) Dollars. Plaintiff filed Motion for Delay Damages which was granted and case was settled for Nine Hundred Thousand ($900,000.00) Dollars. * CIVIL VERDICTS - AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENTS * Riccardo v. Kim - Plaintiff sustained fractured cervical vertebrae at C5-6 level which required two surgeries and metal screws, arising from a two vehicle automobile accident. Out-of-court settlement negotiated with responsible insurance carriers in amount of Four Hundred Thousand ($400,000.00) Dollars prior to trial. * Estate of Robert Kane v. Joseph Falco - Decedent killed while passenger in one-car accident where intoxicated driver lost control of vehicle. Wrongful death claim settlement negotiated with responsible insurance company in the amount of Six Hundred and Sixty Thousand ($660,000.00) Dollars prior to trial. * Vinnie Moss v. Baldi Transportation/Erie Insurance Company - Plaintiff awarded Two Hundred Thirty Five Thousand ($235,000.00) Dollars by jury after trial. Defendant trucking company bankrupt and uninsured. Uninsured motorist claim settlement negotiated with plaintiff's insurance company in the amount of Two Hundred Thousand ($200,00.00) Dollars. * CIVIL VERDICTS - LIQUOR LIABILITY * Gerald & Irene Kane v. Dublin Wine and Spirits and Commonwealth of PA - Plaintiff husband and wife sustained multiple injuries in head-on collision with drunk driver. Husband-plaintiff sustained head injury resulting in brain hemorrhage and coma, with substantial recovery. Wife-plaintiff sustained broken ankle. Out-of-court settlement successfully negotiated against defendants prior to trial. Husband's claim - Two Hundred Forty Thousand ($240,000.00) Dollars. Wife's claim - Ninety Thousand ($90,000.00) Dollars. (Bucks County)* Edward Pisarek v. Adriatric Club - Plaintiff police officer assaulted while on duty by intoxicated bar patron skilled in martial arts. Plaintiff sustained permanent partial hearing loss and multiple lacerations. Non-jury trial verdict in favor of plaintiff and against defendant in amount of One Hundred Fifty Thousand ($150,000.00) Dollars. (Philadelphia County) CIVIL VERDICTS - PRODUCT LIABILITY* Keith Rosenberger v. Galoob Toys, Inc. - Plaintiff sustained temporary partial loss of vision in one eye with increased risk of future glaucoma, when struck in eye by defendants' children's toy, while plaintiff demonstrated newly purchased toy for child. Out-of-court settlement successfully negotiated against defendants in the amount of One Hundred Fifty Thousand ($150,000.00) Dollars prior to trial. (Montgomery County)* Raymond Cost v. Caterpillar, Inc. - Plaintiff sustained partial amputation of his lower leg, when his foot was crushed in an unguarded pinchpoint of rotating couplings inside engine area, while plaintiff was performing maintenance of defendant's heavy trash compactor/metal shearer. Out-of-court settlement successfully negotiated against defendant in the amount of Four Hundred Seventy Five Thousand ($475,000.00) Dollars prior to trial. (Montgomery County)

Mediation & Collaborative Law

 

Erin C. Lentz-McMahon is an extensively trained mediator and collaborative lawyer.  She is on the Montgomery County Custody list of approved Mediators, and a member of the Collaborative Lawyers of Southeastern Pennsylvania.  These are alternative and often effective dispute resolution avenues to the traditional litigation process of the court system.  We encourage our prospective clients to consider mediation and collaborative dispute resolution, which both empower the parties to resolve their issues, in a manner which avoids time consuming, costly and emotionally exhausting, prolonged litigation.

Mediation is a voluntary process in which Ms. Lentz-McMahon seeks to empower the parties involved in a dispute to engage in meaningful discussions for an agreement.  Generally, a mediation session last two (2) hours at a time, and additional sessions can be scheduled as needed.  Parties agree upon who participates in the mediation, and who is permitted to be present during the mediation.  Agreements reached during the mediation session can be memorialized at the request of the parties in a Mediation Memorandum of Understanding.

Ms. Lentz-McMahon can act as a mediator for parties who have not yet begun any legal proceedings, or for those who are already involved in the legal process.  The substantial benefit of Mediation is that it can happen at any time for any issue.  It does not have to resolve all issues but can lead to a deeper understanding of the conflict and potential resolution. It is not unusual for litigation clients to become frustrated  that the Court system may not render decisions as quickly as desired, and they find it difficult to communicate with the other party.  Mediation allows a party to have direct contact with the opposing side in a supported environment that is safe, and allows open, honest and productive discussions.

Dispute resolution through Collaborative law involves two attorneys who are specially trained, along with a selected mental health, child specialist, and/or financial professional.  A collaborative process in one in which the parties work together to preserve their interests.  This option is ideal for those who want to have their voice heard, and have professionals involved to provide guidance in making their decisions.  Each spouse and/or parent has their respective counsel to provide legal advice.  However, the lawyers and team professionals work together as a team with transparency.  Team meetings, as well as individual meetings with professionals, occur during this process.  This is a personal and orderly approach to addressing issues, and determining what is most important. A hallmark is that the parties sign Participation Agreements wherein they agree not to resort to litigation in the Court system but commit to working with one another and the team to reach an agreement.  If the matter cannot resolve by agreement, then the parties can always resort later to litigation albeit without the Collaborative team.

Please feel free to contact Ms. Lentz-McMahon for further information about these dispute resolution alternatives to litigation.  We look forward to serving your needs, and finding the best option for your particular situation.