Scirocco Law was recently retained to represent the City of Long Branch in a construction site safety dispute involving an individual who claimed that he was injured at Lake Takanassee in Long Branch, NJ. The lake was undergoing a dredging project, and the City hired a contractor and engineer to perform and oversee the work. The Plaintiff, Elon Erani, alleged that he was walking after dark in January 2022 in the vicinity of the lake when he became entrapped in dredged lake materials. He claimed that he was stuck for approximately 45 minutes, during which time he feared for his life. He alleged a variety of personal injuries, including hypothermia and post-traumatic stress disorder, and asserted that the City, among others, bore responsibility for his damages.
In an order and opinion dated March 31, 2025, Hon. Kathleen A. Sheedy, J.S.C. of the Monmouth County Superior Court, granted the City of Long Branch’s Motion for Summary Judgement. Judge Sheedy ruled that the City was entitled to dismissal based upon the Tort Claims Act (Title 59) and that the Plaintiff could not pursue a claim against the City for damages in his personal injury case.
Attorney Mark Scirocco of Scirocco Law represented the City of Long Branch in the case and argued the matter before Judge Sheedy on March 20, 2025.