Case Name: Leila Holdsworth, Individually and as Administratrix of the Estate of Chester Holdsworth, Deceased, Appellant, v. Town of Mendon et al., Respondents
Court: New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division
Jurisdiction: New York
Decision Date: 1962-04-05
Citations: 16 A.D.2d 736
Docket Number: 
Parties: Leila Holdsworth, Individually and as Administratrix of the Estate of Chester Holdsworth, Deceased, Appellant, v. Town of Mendon et al., Respondents.
Judges: 
Reporter: Appellate Division Reports
Volume: 16
Pages: 736–736

Head Matter:
Leila Holdsworth, Individually and as Administratrix of the Estate of Chester Holdsworth, Deceased, Appellant, v. Town of Mendon et al., Respondents.

Opinion:
Order unanimously reversed, with $25' costs and disbursements and defendant's motion denied, with $10 costs. Plaintiff's cross motion treated as academic. Memorandum: This case presents a picture of inordinate and inexcusable delay and lack of diligence and co-operation on the part of attorney for the Town of Mendon (not counsel for defendants on the present appeal). About 18 months after the summons and complaint had been served the defendants had neither answered nor appeared in the action. Notices of application for judgment given to defendants by plaintiff's lawyer apparently were not heeded, and the entry of judgment was not opposed. The many acts of courtesy of the plaintiff's attorney extended beyond legal procedural necessities were in no way reciprocated. Instead they were met with procrastination, disregard and almost disdain. Highly important statements in the affidavits submitted by plaintiff are not controverted. For instance, plaintiff's attorney claimed that defendants' attorney promised to pay the judgment if execution would be withheld and told him by telephone that a certified check was in the mail, but it was never received. Defendants' attorney does not deny this statement. No reasonable explanation of defendants' attorney's inactivities was given. His neglect was not the result of mistake, inadvertence or surprise, but seemed to be almost deliberate. It may not be excused. (Appeal from order of Monroe Special Term which granted the motion of defendants to vacate the default judgment and denied plaintiff's motion to validate the default judgment.) Present—' Williams, P. J., Goldman, Halpern, McClusky and Henry, JJ.