Bryan and Jude Hornung
P. 0. Box 684
Southampton, N.Y. 11969

Leonard Cascone
1399 Franklin Ave, Suite 302
Garden City, N.Y. 11530

July 25,2021

Re:Lawsuit

Dear Len,
It is with much gratitude that we send this letter of thanks.

The Plaintiff in this case fell while performing tree work at our property and unfortunately became a permanent quadriplegic.

Our previous defense attorney hired by our insurance company specialized in defending homeowners and insurance companies against accident liability claims and lawsuits. After we provided her all the facts and circumstances related to the case, her response was to concede and settle the case. She not only recommended that both our insurance companies pay the full extent of our policies coverage, but also stated we should expect the lawsuit to breach the limits of our insurance coverage and extend into losing our personal assets. After continued negative outcomes being presented to us by our prior attorney, we had enough. We had previously researched defense attorneys and were aware of your excellent reputation. Our insurance carrier thereby offered to hire you as our replacement defense attorney.

Upon accepting the case you immediately called to introduce yourself and drove to our home to meet us in person. You spent hours with us, going over the details and circumstances of the case, analyzing the accident site, measuring distances, examining the grounds, bushes, and related equipment. You took extensive notes and became thoroughly informed with all aspects of the case. Your confidence and professional assurance immediately put us at ease and changed our perspective toward the lawsuit. We finally had hope.

After subsequently exchanging discovery with the plaintiffs attorney, you finally had the opportunity to question the Plaintiff at the first EBT. Your methodical and creative questioning led to discovery of previously undisclosed pertinent facts, and plaintiffs extensive experience, which was extremely detrimental to their case. The Plaintiffs attorney was so frustrated by your successful questioning that he caused a disruption that created the need for the deposition to be adjourned. I suspect he intentionally wanted to stop your very successful line of questioning of the plaintiff.

At the onset on the next scheduled EBT, the once obnoxious and confident plaintiff attorney, sheepishly requested to settle the case, hoping that the previous offer from our prior attorney and the Insurance Company was still available. It was blaringly evident the plaintiff's attorney did not want to battle with you in court as he feared his client may end up with nothing.

Your extensive knowledge of the law and intuitive line of questioning won the day and the case. We would like to express our sincere thanks for your courtesy, professionalism, and friendship. Jude and I will be forever grateful for your help.

Best regards,
Bryan P. Hornung

Len, we [insurance carrier] had three defendants in this case. You had one, [defense firm B] had another and [defense firm C] had others. I’m trying to think of the case as an example of essentially the same case being resolved for much different cost. I just came across another case that your firm and [defense firm B] both have and the costs are vastly different. …It’s to your credit by the way. I’m trying to show how the same case can be handled more efficiently. I’m looking at the cases now and the difference is striking. …It’s hard to compare because cases are not “apples to apples” but once in a while there are companion matters that I can compare firms head to head. Very enlightening! Efficiency will be rewarded with more cases, I promise. (From Client/Claims Manager to Mr. Cascone)

Nice job from you-I took some convincing [to perfect the appeal]….Thanks for your expert guidance and skill in this matter – we sure are stronger with you on our panel.

Nice result. We had pretty much given up on that case, but you managed to salvage something for us. You advocate aggressively for our position even after our defenses seemed to be largely falling apart. That is exactly what we needed. Thanks.

I just wanted to compliment your office on their timely reporting. As you know the majority of our files get audited. If the Lit Plan of reports are late it affects our grades on these reviews.

I have to commend your counsel on this case. He didn’t just do a good job he did a great job. I firmly believe that if it were not for Mr. Cascone’s unwavering conviction on the value of this case, plaintiff would have held out for at least 1.5m. Mr. Cascone’s arguments on liability and damages gave plaintiff more than just food for thought. If you had less competent counsel, I wouldn’t be surprised if plaintiff decides to take his chances with a jury. I don’t think plaintiff’s counsel wanted to face Mr. Cascone in the courtroom, which is why the case settled for a reasonable number. Not only did Mr. Cascone save 300k off your policy, but he protected your insured/his client from a likely judgment hanging over his business. I’ve gone to more than my share of mediations over the years and I have to say, Mr. Cascone rates up there w/the best!