Following a successful motion involving a conflict of laws analysis concerning jurisdiction over an accident that occurred in New York State, the court determined the appropriate costs award.
Applying the factors in Rule 57 of the Rules of Civil Procedure, the court emphasized the complexity of the proceeding and the importance of the issues to the parties.
Although the successful moving party sought over $23,000 in partial indemnity costs, the court found the hours claimed excessive relative to the reasonable expectations of the losing parties.
The court therefore reduced the claim and awarded partial indemnity costs in a significantly lower amount.
Costs were ordered payable jointly by the plaintiff and an opposing defendant insurer.
