Following a successful motion for summary judgment in a mortgage action, the plaintiff sought costs of $60,000 on a substantial indemnity basis, relying on the mortgage's standard charge terms and the defendants' unsuccessful allegations of fraud.
The court found the plaintiff's claimed legal fees were inflated due to excessive time docketed for administrative tasks and duplication of work.
The court also disallowed several disbursements for lack of supporting receipts.
Applying the principles of fairness and reasonableness, the court fixed the costs award at $40,956.90.
