Counsel: Salvatore J. DeSantis and Julie E. Molod
Firm: Molod Spitz & DeSantis, P.C.
Headquarters: New York, New York
Headline: Plaintiff Alleged Synagogue was Responsible for the Actions of Valet Parker
Result: Summary Judgment Granted to Synagogue
MSD recently obtained summary judgment in favor of a Brooklyn synagogue where plaintiff alleged that he suffered serious injuries, including fusion surgery, when his vehicle was rear-ended by a motor vehicle driven by a valet parker. On the day of the accident, a wedding was being held at the synagogue. The host of the wedding decided to contract with a valet service of their own choosing rather than use the valet service recommended by the synagogue. Although the valet service was operating at the synagogue’s premises, the accident happened four blocks away, where the valet drivers were parking the guests’ vehicles. Following the completion of discovery, MSD filed a motion for summary judgment arguing that the synagogue could not be held liable for plaintiff’s accident because they did not hire, direct, control or supervise the valet drivers. Our motion was met with vehement opposition. However, Justice Wavny Toussaint of Supreme Court, Kings County was not swayed and granted our motion holding that our moving papers and oral argument established that the synagogue did not owe a duty to the plaintiff and therefore bore no liability for plaintiff’s injuries. Plaintiff’s case and all cross claims dismissed!
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