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Personal Injury Settlement Published In New Jersey Law Journal, “$500K in Essex Dog Bite Case.”

July 19, 2021

As seen in New Jersey Law Journal, July 12, 2021
By Aaron Jenkins (adapted from VerdictSearch)

Bronner v. Eileen McMorrow: A woman bitten by a dog when visiting friends settled her Essex County suit for $500,000 on Dec. 18, 2020.

According to plaintiffs counsel, on Dec. 13, 2019, plaintiff Jody Rose-Bronner, 50, was visiting the home of Eileen McMorrow and Michael Walsh, in Montclair. The couple’s Australian shepherd dog bit Rose-Bronner’s face. Rose-Bronner sought treatment at an emergency room. She was bleeding from the left side of her face with her left cheek and lip hanging down, and she had a large puncture wound on her right lower chin. Rose-Bronner presented to a plastic surgeon who performed a debridement of her wounds. Another plastic surgeon recommended platelet-rich plasma injection therapy and scar revision surgery. According to the plastic surgeon, Rose-Bronner suffered a class II skin disorder facial disfigurement, and it is unlikely that the deceased sensation of her left medial periorial face will recover fully; however, it may improve spontaneously in the next year. Rose-Bronner’s expert in plastic surgery testified that, although the plaintiff’s scars will continue to mature and improve over time, the damage done is permanent and cannot be totally reversed.

Rose-Bronner sought damages for past and future pain and suffering. Her husband sought damages for loss of consortium.

The parties negotiated a pretrial settlement on Dec. 18, 2020. McMorrow and Walsh’s insurer, MetLife Auto & Home, tendered its policy, which provided $500,000 of coverage.

The plaintiffs were represented by Christopher L. Musmanno of Einhorn, Barbarito, Frost & Botwinick in Denville.  The defendants were represented by Katherine M. Romanek of Hughes & Associates in Hackensack.

*Editor’s Comment: This report is based on information that was provided by plaintiffs’ counsel. Defense counsel did not respond to the reporter’s phone calls.

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