Verdicts and Settlements

Joseph D. Sullivan Esq. has successfully challenged and defended numerous Wills disputes based on a lack of testamentary capacity and undue influence. These challenges are extremely difficult in light of the “clear and convincing” standard needed to prove the claims, however with expert testimony and proper trial litigation skills, our Will challenges have led to successful results for our clients.

Joseph D. Sullivan Esq. Estate Litigation Highlights 

• $15 million USD in a fight between brothers in New Jersey.
• $4 million USD over a fight for property between sisters in New York.
• $1 million USD over a fight for property between cousins in Queens, New York.
• $4 million USD dispute over the proper charity the decedent wished her Estate to be provided in New Jersey.

The Plaintiff, a minor, was duct taped by a teacher and suffered mental anguish. The case was tried by Mr. Sullivan in New Jersey District Court, and settled for six figures for our client.

A large seven figure settlement was received by Sullivan & Sullivan involving a single car accident. The Plaintiff was a passenger in a vehicle which crashed into a tree causing Traumatic Brain Injury and numerous other fractures and injuries. After jury selection was completed, the Defendant settled the case.

In New Jersey, Mr. Sullivan settled a wrongful death case along with injuries to a passenger resulting from a 17 year old drag racing through a “red light” in Dover, New Jersey. The Estate of the descendant and the passenger received over six figures after extensive mediation and Court intervention, just prior to jury selection.

More Joseph D. Sullivan Esq. Recent Personal Injury Highlights: 

• Plaintiff injured while playing slot machines T.B.I - $750,000 USD
• Plaintiff injured in car accident T.B.I injuries - $3.6 million USD
• Plaintiff injured on slippery walkway while walking his dog in front of his girlfriend’s condo - $450,000 USD
• Medical Verdict: Plaintiff injured while undergoing hernia procedure - $400,000 USD
• Products Liability: RSD Injury - $350,000 USD 

Mr. Sullivan successfully brought an action against a large established Bank in New Jersey and the client’s bookkeeper for embezzling over $700,000.00 from the company. 

Defendant Bank’s Motion to Dismiss the Complaint was denied allowing the Plaintiff to pursue its claim that the Bank teller must be part of the fraud which allowed the company employee to cash checks in other’s names and who did not even live in New Jersey, have an account at the Bank, nor were they not present when checks were cashed, and in several instances were fictitious names or names of famous steak restaurants. After lengthy mediations, the matter was resolved with the Plaintiff receiving an excellent result and was reimbursed by both the bank and the individual. The bookkeeper was later prosecuted by the New Jersey Attorney’s office.

Mr. Sullivan represented a Plaintiff in Federal District Court, Brooklyn, claiming a blow dryer defect caused his RSD injuries. After a three-week trial, while the jury was deliberating, the case settled for six-figure amount.

Mr. Sullivan represented an 80-year-old Plaintiff who was injured by an air bag defect. The case was brought to Federal Court, Eastern District against Toyota. It was settled after jury selection in favor of our client.

Joe Sullivan has provided a legal defense in the Bronx for a corporation being sued for injuries to the Plaintiff due to defective product design. After several days of trial, the Plaintiff dismissed the action against our client.

Recently, Mr. Sullivan represented a woman who was terminated because of her religion. My client was awarded a significant sum after the defendant's summary judgment was denied.

Mr. Sullivan has defended a large corporation in Federal District Court being sued for racial discrimination. The jury found for our client. The case was appealed and denied by Second Circuit and was subsequently denied by the United States Supreme Court.

Joseph D. Sullivan Real Estate Litigation Highlights:

• New York: Seller kept $50,000 USD deposit of buyers over dispute of water seepage. After filing lawsuit, seller returned 90% of the deposit.
• New Jersey: Seller kept the buyers deposit over minor repair issues in the Inspection Report. Joseph D. Sullivan represented the buyers in lawsuit and recovered 100% of the deposit