Thomas M. Barron’s Representative Cases

• Represented limited partners of a failed real estate development in complex, multiparty litigation against the general partner and its law firms for failure to notify limited partners about material changes in the development’s financing. The result was full recovery of clients’ investments and counsel fees after 10 week trial.
• Represented farm family owners of a national recognized dairy herd in a product liability action against a feed manufacturer for the sale of adulterated cattle feed that caused the death of cattle or a debilitating immune system deficiency syndrome in the surviving cows. The case presented novel issues of bovine digestive processes, toxicology, immunology and economic damages relating to diminished breeding pedigrees of surviving cattle.
• Represented municipal police officer in disability employment discrimination case arising from police officer’s dismissal following temporary leave for treatment of emotional issues. The case was litigated over four years and involved two successful appeals to the Appellate Division and related actions in three different forums. The municipal employer retained four different law firms before the case settled before trial. The client was reinstated, obtained back wages and benefits and counsel fees.
• Represented law firm seeking reasonable compensation for assigned representation of indigent defendants in municipal court cases. Argued matter before the New Jersey Supreme Court which created a statewide system of requiring all New Jersey attorneys to provide mandatory pro bono services. Madden v. Delran, 126 N.J. 591 (1992).
• Represented manufacturer of cathodic structural steel protection system in breach of warranty and consumer fraud action brought by condominium association that claimed that the client and general contractor were liable for $28 M in damages. The case was complicated by a dispute with the client’s liability carrier over coverage for the claim. Began representation 60 days before trial which required counsel to quickly learn complex scientific and engineering concepts involving cathodic protection and to review complicated damage claims. Counsel relied upon defenses under the Uniform Commercial Code and after two weeks of trial the case settled within policy limits, with the carrier paying the bulk of the settlement.
• Represented individual business owner facing personal liability a trustee of bankrupt employee benefit trust for $10 Million in unpaid medical and hospital benefits. The central issue in the case was the extent of insurance coverage available under two policies issued to the trustees. Although some of the State’s largest firms were involved in the case for the trust and other trustees, none had taken action against the insurance carrier. We immediately demanded that the insurance company provide separate counsel for the client and instituted a declaratory judgment action against the insurer on disputed policy. The case settled within policy limits 60 days of beginning the representation at a cost of $6,000.00 in personal counsel fees to client.
• Successfully defended corporate officer in criminal prosecution alleging conspiracy and environmental law violations after four month jury trial.
• Represented ten year old boy and his parents in medical malpractice case concerning orthopedic surgeon’s failure to diagnose compartment syndrome following an elbow fracture resulting in multiple operations at Mayo Clinic for muscle and nerve transplants. Recovery included settlement for mother’s novel claim of negligent infliction of emotional distress.