“We Are Here for One Reason”: Newark Trial Team Achieves Another Favorable Settlement for Client After Jury Selection

Newark, N.J. (August 8, 2025) - The Newark trial team of Partners Afsha Noran and Colin Hackett were asked to drop in and try a personal injury matter with a multiple seven-figure demand, thirteen days before trial, for a longstanding firm client. Following jury selection – the Newark trial team’s sixth of 2025 – the matter settled for 38% of the plaintiff’s demand prior to the team’s appearance in the matter. 

The action involved a plaintiff who alleged she was caused to trip and fall at a condominium complex due to negligent maintenance of the complex’s sidewalk area. EMS responded to the accident scene, and she was transported to the hospital where she spent five days followed by a seven-day stint at an in-house rehabilitation facility.  As a result of the fall, the plaintiff claimed multiple cervical herniations requiring a two-level fusion surgery, traumatic brain injury resulting in TBI and cognitive impairment, dental and jaw damage including fourteen smashed teeth and TMJ, as well as left and right wrist ligament injuries. 

Between the parties, twelve fact witnesses and seven experts were identified to testify at trial. The Lewis Brisbois trial team was tasked by the client with determining the defense themes for both liability and damages and the presentation of same at trial. To do so, they worked through the 4th of July holiday weekend to analyze the large volume of discovery and formulate a trial strategy. 

Commenting on the matter, Ms. Noran stated: “We are fortunate and flattered to have clients that look to us in the bottom of the ninth to try matters we have had no involvement with before. In this matter our client was fortunate insofar as we had another trial listing for the same date that was adjourned the day before we were asked to step in.”  

Commenting on the most recent matter, Mr. Hackett stated: “I am fortunate to have a colleague and trial team that did not blink when presented with preparing for trial on short notice, including working on a holiday weekend. As far as parachuting into matters on the eve of trial, the message is clear to many judges we appear before and some counsel: we are here for one reason, to try the case. This often has the effect that, at some point after we appear – before or during trial -- the matter is settled at or very close to our client’s last offer, rather than the plaintiff’s last demand. Or the trial proceeds to verdict." 

For more information on this case, contact the attorneys involved. Visit our National Trial Practice page for more information on our trial capabilities.