New Jersey Attorney Law Review Blog

--> In an opinion issued on July 31, 2012, the New Jersey Supreme Court declared that a pet owner is not entitled to recover damages for emotional distress caused by witnessing the traumatic death of her dog.  Joyce McDougall v. Charlot Lamm (A-99-10) (067436) . The facts are relatively straightforward.  On June 7, 2007, plaintiff Joyce McDougall was walking her dog when a large dog belonging to defendant Charlot Lamm ran out, grabbed McDougall's dog by the neck, and picked it up and shook it several times before dropping it, causing the death of her dog.  McDougall bought the dog as a puppy for $200 in 1997, and believed a new puppy would cost $1,395. At the trial level McDougall described her pet as a “friendly, lively, energetic dog” that loved children and was capable of performing numerous tricks.  McDougall testified that the dog was very happy to see her when she came home, slept in a bed near hers, and was with her much of the time....

In this post I briefly discuss the standards by which New Jersey Courts are to apply in determining whether a corporation is the successor-in-interest to, or alter-ego of, a previously existing but defunct corporate entity.  The issue often presents itself when an insolvent closely held corporate entity (such as construction companies or other privately held small businesses)  looks to rid itself of trade debt without effectively shutting down the business and losing valuable assets, customers, contracts or good will.  Unscrupulous business owners may attempt to accomplish this seemingly impossible feat by engaging in fraudulent asset transfers - essentially taking the assets from the debt-ridden business and transferring them over to a new business often established under another family member's name without paying anything to the former business - intended to avoid creditors.    My firm is presently pursuing this exact claim in a matter c...