Newton law firm wins large settlement

NEWTON — A 32-year-old Newton man recently settled a personal injury lawsuit against K Investments Limited, former owners of a Perkins Restaurant located on Route 46 in Budd Lake, for $1,900,000. The plaintiff suffered severe spine and shoulder injuries as a result of slipping on an untreated patch of ice that had accumulated near a storm drain in an unlit area of the restaurant’s parking lot on January 21, 2007. The litigation team of Paul G. Hunczak, Esq. and David L. Johnson, Esq. of the Newton based law firm of Morris, Downing & Sherred, represented the plaintiff in the three year litigation and successfully negotiated the settlement on the eve of trial at a private mediation with Retired Judge Mark Epstein. The result is believed to be the largest negotiated settlement of a fall down claim in Sussex County’s history. As a result of the fall, the plaintiff sustained multiple disc herniations in his lower back and thereafter underwent spinal fusion surgery with implantation of various hardware in his lumbar spine. Despite treatment and surgical intervention, he is permanently disabled, and left with significant discomfort and limitations in his range of motion and ability to perform routine daily activities. “We’re delighted to have been able to negotiate such a significant settlement for our client, who is a single father of two young boys," said Hunczak. "While a monetary award can never replace his good health, this result will at least help him provide for his family.” Founded in 1899, the law firm has been serving clients in the Sussex County area and beyond for over 100 years.