Methfessel & Werbel handled a number of complex cases in 2016, including many that involved novel issues of law and appeals to the highest levels. There was a mix of defense, coverage and subrogation matters. In one successful representation, the Appellate Division issued a published case holding that homeowners aren’t responsible for “natural conditions” such as tree roots that cause damage on adjacent properties. In the case of a house fire caused by an allegedly unlicensed plumber using an acetylene torch, the firm conducted an investigation, filed a successful summary judgment motion on behalf of the property owners’ insurer, and obtained $975,000 of a $1 million policy in subrogation.
** The responses were provided by partners John Methfessel Jr. and Matthew Werbel. **
