AMICUS AI
Citation Codes
Equivalent Citations
citation codes
Are you a practicing lawyer?
Enhance your digital presence and reach by creating a Casemine profile.
Upload pleading to use the new AI search
Cites
Cited by
Citation Codes
Equivalent Citations
citation codes

In the Matter of RICHARD J. CARDALI, P.C., Appellant. CHARLENE CABRERA, an Infant, by Her Mother, ARLETTE IBARRA, Plaintiff, v. ZHI REN YUAN, Defendant.

The retainer agreement between appellant and mother of the infant plaintiff provided for a fee of one-third of the total amount recovered by suit or settlement after deduction of legal expenses. The lawsuit was tentatively settled for $275,000, including an attorney's fee of $89,000, which the IAS Court reduced to $52,559.51, arrived at by deducting, from the settlement amount of $275,000, a Department of Social Services Medicaid lien of $57,998.82 and disbursements of $6,763.14, for a net of $210,238.04, and applying a contingency rate of 25%. While we do not disagree with the reduction of the rate from one-third to one-fourth, in combination with the deduction of the lien the end result was unfair to appellant ( cf., 22 NYCRR 603.7 [e] [3], [6]). Recomputation of the award, without deduction of the lien, results in more appropriate compensation of $67,059.22 ($275,000 — $6,763.14 X 25%).

Concur — Milonas, J.P., Wallach, Ross and Mazzarelli, JJ.

Use AI to get other relevant cases.

Comments

MATTER OF CARDALI
(Mar 26, 1996)